Baroque

Baroque, sometimes spelt Barroque, is the intensely local grape variety associated with white tursan. Although it is now grown almost exclusively in the Landes département, it was at one time known throughout south west france and was valued by growers in the early 20th century for its resistance to powdery mildew. More recently investment in the Tursan appellation by chef Michel Guérard of Eugénie-les-Bains has saved this characterful variety from extinction. His wine, Baron de Bachen, displays the unusual combination of high alcohol and fine aroma, something akin to ripe pears.