St-Mont

St-Mont, previously Côtes de St-Mont, appellation in the Armagnac region dominated by the dynamic Plaimont co-operative which has worked so hard to identify and revive indigenous varieties. There is only a handful of other producers. The zone is effectively a northern extension of the madiran area with much the same grape varieties are planted, although yields are generally higher. tannat must constitute at least 60% of some surprisingly juicy reds and rosés with fer Servadou and Cabernet Sauvignon the usual blending partners. For whites, gros Manseng must make up at least 40% of the blend with arrufiac and petit courbu the preferred other ingredients, thereby differentiating this wine from pacherenc du vic-bilh and jurançon to the south. Almost 950 ha/2,350 acres of vineyard are dedicated to this wine, just under 60% red and a quarter rosé. Quality is increasing with every vintage, as is the price differential between it and the local igp Côtes de Gascogne.