Vins d'Estaing

Vins d'Estaing is a French Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) for wines produced in the Estaing region of France. The AOC was granted in 2011, making it one of the newer appellations in the country. The wines produced under this AOC are primarily red and rosé, made from a blend of several grape varieties.

History

The history of viticulture in the Estaing region dates back to the Roman times. However, the modern history of Vins d'Estaing began in the 1970s when a group of local winegrowers decided to revive the traditional vineyards. The AOC was granted in 2011, after a long process of improving the quality of the wines and proving their unique characteristics.

Geography and Climate

The vineyards of Vins d'Estaing are located in the Aveyron department, in the Occitanie region of southern France. The vineyards are situated on the steep slopes of the Lot Valley, benefiting from a unique microclimate. The region has a continental climate with Mediterranean influences, which is ideal for grape growing.

Grape Varieties

The Vins d'Estaing AOC allows the use of several grape varieties. The red and rosé wines are made from a blend of Fer Servadou, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The white wines, which are less common, are made from Chenin Blanc and Mauzac.

Wine Styles

The red wines of Vins d'Estaing are known for their deep ruby color, complex aromas of red fruits, and firm tannins. The rosé wines are appreciated for their freshness and fruity aromas. The white wines, although less common, are characterized by their floral and fruity aromas, and their lively acidity.

Food Pairing

Vins d'Estaing wines pair well with a variety of dishes. The red wines are ideal with red meat, game, and cheese. The rosé wines are perfect for summer dishes, salads, and grilled meats. The white wines can be enjoyed with fish, seafood, and poultry.

See Also

• French wine
• List of Appellation d'origine contrôlée wines
• Aveyron (department)