Plaimont, South West France

Plaimont’s prephylloxera vines in Saint Mont, SW France (image: M. Carossio)

Plaimont, Vignerons en Gascogne & Piémont Pyrénéen, France

Plaimont is widely considered to be one of France’s top cooperatives. Based in the foothills of the Pyrénées, Plaimont has had a massive impact on Gascony’s viticultural landscape since its foundation in the 70s. Gascony was once one of France's most prized wine producing regions yet, despite this rich heritage, it is hugely underrated today.

Plaimont's vineyards stretch out over a uniquely rich terroir from the foothills of the Pyrénées to the rolling hills of Gascony. Throughout its history, Plaimont has distinguished itself via it’s commitment to the preservation and defense of indigenous grape varieties through its innovative work in ampélographic research and the creation of “cuvées emblematiques” produced in the main Pyrénéen Piemont appellations.

Between 1950 and 2000, various ampelographers and technicians scoured the region Plaimont covers to compile an inventory of grape varieties and “very old plots”. They identified a remarkable heritage, unique in France, which led to the creation of the Ampelographic Conservatory of Saint-Mont in 2002. A “living library”, home to a collection of 37 grape varieties (17 white, 19 red and one rosé) native to the Pyrénéen foothills. Twelve varieties are completely original and previously unknown.

Plaimont continues its research today with Ampelographic meetings (the Rencontres Ampélographiques) held regularly, bringing the field’s top specialists to the Gers region. 

The Ampelographic Conservatory of Saint Mont has several aims:

* To continue the preservation of local heritage
* To improve knowledge of the grape varieties found
* To preserve the representative character of wines
* To help adapt to climate change

For more information visit:
plaimont.com
@plaimont_vignerons