Aveyon is an IGP title covering red, rosé and white wines from the Aveyron department of southwestern France. While the department contains a number of AOC-level appellations, including Marcillac, Estaing and Entraygues-Le Fel, the Aveyron IGP remains to cover wines that fall outside of these, both stylistically and geographically.
The department is on the southwestern edge of the Massif Central, a low mountain range that covers much of central France. The landscape here is dominated by a high rocky plateau crossed by a number of rivers, including the Tarn and Lot rivers, as well as the eponymous Aveyron river. The diversity of the landscape here has provided some viticulturally suitable sites, most of which lie along the banks of the various rivers.
© Wikimedia/Phillip Clapper
Aveyron’s position between the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean means that it has a transitional climate. In the west, influences from the temperate Atlantic dominate, while the south is hotter and drier with more of a Mediterranean climate. In the north and east, the climate is more continental, with hot summers and cold winters.
Most of Aveyron’s vineyards sit on terraces above the myriad rivers, where the slope of the land provides optimum exposure to sunlight and prevailing winds. Schist and granite make up the poor, dry soils, where vines thrive – a lack of water in the soil lessens vigor, which forces vines to focus their energy into the production of high-quality grapes.
A small number of grape varieties are permitted for use in Aveyron IGP wines. This includes the local varieties of Fer Servadou and Duras, as well as more international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon. Most wines sold with the Aveyron IGP are light, fruity red wines made from a blend of these varieties, but a small amount of white and rosé wine is made here too.
The department’s regional appellation title was previously called Vin de Pays d’Aveyron. However, the Vin de Pays category was replaced in 2009 by Indication Géographique Protégée, which brings French wine labeling laws in line with those of the European Union.
