Perhaps the most famous region is Limoux, especially if you are a sparkling wine lover! It is claimed that the monk, Dom Perignon of the Champagne region was the man who discovered sparkling wine after white wine re-fermented in the bottle - the method was developed and named "methode champenoise". However the residents of Limoux fiercely disagree with this, claiming that in 1531 their own monks of the famed Abbey of St Hilaire were in fact the first to discover champagne, developing there very own "methode ancestrale"! Champagne's sparkling wine producers will continue to refute this statement - even though it is known that Monk Dom Perignon passed through Limoux, at this time, before moving to Champagne!
Limoux's "methode ancestrale" does have a drawback - it leaves too much yeast sediment in the bottle. The "methode champenoise" eliminates this and today is the most commonly used sparkling wine production technique in Limoux. 2 major sparkling wines can be found in this region; firstly the dry Blanquette de Limoux which is made from 90% Mauzac grape (known locally as Blanquette) which is late ripening with distinctive tastes and aromas most often described as 'apple'. Chenin and Chardonnay will be included in the mix. Secondly, the also dry, Crémant de Limoux which will include Mauzac in a lesser proportion (maximum 60%) and then Chardonnay and Chenin. These sparkling wines are a lovely, tasty alternative to Champagne because of the warmer climate and different characteristics developed in the grapes. A dry still white is also produced in Limoux with the same grapes but in different proportions.
The Cahors region is renowned for what has been titled "black wine" - their reds are so deep purple in color. The Cahors wines are minimum 70% Malbec with the rest being Merlot and Tannat. These wines age well and are very rich and full-bodied. However recently some producers are making lighter styled wines so they may be drunk earlier.
Further north and closer to Bordeaux is the Côtes de Duras which is not surprisingly producing Bordeaux style wines. Mainly whites from Sauvignon Blanc and Ugni Blanc - with some sweet wines being made from typical Semillon.
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