A region shaped by the Garonne, a unique grape, and the work of Domaine de Beyssac
Some appellations are immediately recognisable. Others remain more confidential, quietly building their identity away from the spotlight. Côtes du Marmandais belongs to the latter — a region that rewards curiosity, offering wines that are both distinctive and deeply rooted in their place.
At The French Paradox, our connection to this appellation comes through our work with Domaine de Beyssac, led by Frédéric Broutet. His wines immediately stood out to us, not only for their quality, but for the clarity with which they express the identity of Marmandais.
Marmandais – between Bordeaux and the South-West
Located along the Garonne river, between Bordeaux and the South-West, the Marmandais region sits at a natural crossroads. It shares certain influences with Bordeaux, particularly in its climate and some grape varieties, but it also carries a more southern, rustic character that gives the wines their personality.
This in-between position is what makes the appellation so interesting. It doesn’t follow a single model. Instead, it blends structure and freshness with a more generous, expressive style. The result is a range of wines that feel both familiar and slightly unexpected.
A land of diversity and forgotten grapes
One of the defining features of the Côtes du Marmandais is its commitment to preserving local grape varieties. Alongside more widely known grapes, the region is home to something much rarer: Abouriou.
Abouriou is a true local grape, deeply linked to the identity of Marmandais. It brings colour, ripe dark fruit, and a certain warmth to the wines, often accompanied by soft spice and a generous texture. It is not about finesse in the classical sense, but about character and presence — something that feels authentic and rooted.
In many ways, Abouriou represents the spirit of the appellation: distinctive, slightly unconventional, and worth discovering.
Domaine de Beyssac – clarity and conviction
At Domaine de Beyssac, Frédéric Broutet works with this diversity in a thoughtful and focused way. His wines are not about excess or demonstration, but about balance and expression.
Whether it is the depth and structure of Iniciau 2018, the more mature and layered Essentiel 2017, the vibrant and refreshing rosé Escapade 2024, or the more adventurous orange wine Folle Odyssée 2023, there is a clear thread running through them all.
Each cuvée feels intentional, reflecting both the grape varieties and the character of the region, while remaining accessible and engaging. There is a sense that the wines are made to be enjoyed, but also to say something meaningful about where they come from.
A different perspective on the South-West
What makes the Côtes du Marmandais so compelling is precisely its difference. It doesn’t try to imitate its neighbours, nor to fit into a predefined category. Instead, it offers its own interpretation of what the South-West can be: generous but balanced, structured yet approachable.
Through the wines of Domaine de Beyssac, this identity becomes clear. They provide an accessible way into the appellation, while still capturing its uniqueness — particularly through the presence of Abouriou, a grape that remains largely unknown outside its home region.
A region worth discovering
The Côtes du Marmandais is not an appellation that imposes itself. It reveals itself gradually, through wines that combine familiarity with originality.
With producers like Domaine de Beyssac, it becomes easy to understand its appeal. These are wines with personality, shaped by a specific place, and carried by a winemaker who understands how to express it with precision and restraint.
It is, ultimately, an invitation — to explore something a little different, and to discover a region that deserves far more attention than it often receives.
Domaine de Beyssac – Côtes du Marmandais Rosé “Escapade” 2024
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