FrenchDuck’s databank
Cotes du Marmandais

The problem (and delight) of South West France is that there are so many areas to explore, and often renting a gite can be so delightful that getting out and exploring might be limited to the nearest town and trips for French Bread, a bar and an ocassional restaurant.
However, an English couple (Jason and Michelle) have established a Motorhome (or motor caravan as I used to call them) Hire centre at St Avit (47 Lot-et-Garonne, Midi-Pyrenees) south of Duras

(see map)

Evolution will plan your itinerary for you or advise you on your existing route. If you’re a lover of fishing, walking, wine tasting etc.a personalised route planner to suit your needs can be arranged for the duration of your vacation. We will provide details of recommended camp sites.

You’ll never get lost…
We provide an on-board ready-to-use GPS navigation system. We’re on-call with a 24/7 helpline with English spoken… We can provide liaison with reputable local property agents for those seeking to purchase property in the area. Cycle and leisure equipment hire is also available. Evolution caters for all-year round rental, with winter skiing resorts only a leisurely 3 hour drive south, a little further will take you to the winter warmth of Spain.

So you can avoid the long road trip through France, fly into Bergerac or Bordeaux or take the train - they will meet you at the airport or station and you’re off free to explore this rich and varied area.And with French number plates you might even get a bit more respect on the road!

For more info see www.evolutionmotorhomes.com

Cotes du Marmandais, 47 Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine (see map)
The Cotes du Marmandais is one of a number of small appellations south of Bergerac and east of Bordeaux, which major on the Bordeaux grape varieties, and which tend to be dominated by large co-operatives.
Whilst historically co-operatives have not always produced the best of wines, the situation is a little different where the co-op is the dominant producer, as here in Marmande. As such the co-op becomes the guardian of the appellation’s reputation and has a vested interest in producing good signature wines as well as bulk plonk. The Caves du Marmandais at Cocumont is one such example.
The appellation is based around the town of Marmande between Agen and Bordeaux on the Garonne (and A62 autoroute). Marmande is probably better known for its large “beef” tomatoes, but it does also produce some very decent wines, albeit not particularly distinctive.
Originally there were 2 co-ops, Cocumont and Beaupuy, one based on the south (or left) bank of the Garonne, the other on the north (right) bank. These merged a few years ago in the Cave du Marmandais.
The red and rose wines are based on Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot to a maximum of 75% of the blend. The balance must be made up with the local variety of Abouriou or Fer, or alternatively Gamay or Syrah. For white wines: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle, Ugni Blanc.
From the Co-op there is a wide range of good value wines - the best in our opinion being the Tap de Perbos - an oak-aged red with real finesse and power. Rick Stein in Rick Stein’s French Odyssey stocked up on wines from this co-op.

There are some independent producers who are gaining a decent reputation - e.g. Chateau de Beaulieu at Saint-Sauveur de Meilhan - see www.chateaudebeaulieu.net - available from www.southdownscellars.co.uk

A name gaining a great reputation and reviews from Jancis Robinson and others is Elian da Ros/Clos Baquey at Cocumont - stocked by Adnams (always a good indicator).

For more info on the Cave du Marmandais see www.origine-marmandais.fr