One of the seven regional IGP areas for the production of local wines in France. The other six are Atlantique, Comtés Rhodaniens, Méditerranée, Pays d’Oc, Terres du Midi and Val de Loire. Until 2011, the region was known as Vin de pays du Comté Tolosan; since 2012, it has borne the official designation IGP Comté Tolosan. The name is a reference to the historic County of Toulouse (Comté de Toulouse), which existed until 1271.

Indications of origin

The region is situated in the wine-growing region of south-western France and comprises the twelve départements of Ariège, Aveyron, Cantal, Gers, Haute-Garonne, Hautes-Pyrénées, Landes, Lot, Lot-et-Garonne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Tarn and Tarn-et-Garonne. There are numerous AOC areas within this large region. As the vast majority of wines are produced in these areas, only a comparatively small proportion of production is marketed under the IGP Comté Tolosan designation.

The name ‘Comté Tolosan’ may be supplemented by the geographical designations ‘Bigorre’, ‘Cantal’, ‘Coteaux et Terrasses de Montauban’, ‘Haute-Garonne’, ‘Pyrénées-Atlantiques’ and ‘Tarn-et-Garonne’ (four départements, one historical region and one geographical area). Other IGP areas include Aveyron, Côtes de Gascogne, Côtes du Tarn, Gers and Lavilledieu. This region also encompasses the AOC area for the Armagnac brandy.

Climate & Soil

The climate ranges from maritime influences in the west, through increasingly continental conditions, to Mediterranean influences in the east. The soils are diverse, reflecting the region’s vast geographical extent, and consist of limestone, clay, loam, gravel, sand and alluvial soils along the Garonne.

Grape Varieties

The main red grape varieties are Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot, Duras, Gamay, Tannat, Merlot and Négrette. The main white wine varieties are Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Len de l’El, Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng, Mauzac Blanc, Muscadelle and Sauvignon Blanc. Numerous other varieties are also permitted.

Wines

The red, rosé and white wines are predominantly fruit-forward and fresh in style. The white wines are characterised by a lively acidity. The red wines are ready to drink early, whilst the rosé wines are light and unpretentious.

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