The cuisine of the Gers: a blend of Armagnac and Gascon cuisine
The Gers is a land of food lovers. Around the Château d’Izaute, in the heart of Bas-Armagnac, you can discover Armagnac, France’s oldest brandy, Floc de Gascogne, the wines of the Côtes de Gascogne and hearty duck-based cuisine.
Armagnac, the brandy of the Bas-Armagnac region
The castle is situated right in the heart of Bas-Armagnac, the appellation’s most renowned terroir. Its sandy soils produce delicate, fruity eaux-de-vie, aged for many years in oak casks.
Armagnac is distilled just once, usually in an Armagnac-style column still. Many estates open their cellars for tours and tastings: this is an opportunity to compare different ages and vintages, and to take home a bottle from the year you were born.
Floc de Gascogne
A signature aperitif of the Gers region, Floc de Gascogne is a blend of fresh grape juice and young Armagnac. Available in white or rosé, it is best served well chilled, as an aperitif or with melon.
Wines from the Gers
The vineyards of the Gers produce the wines of the Côtes de Gascogne – lively, aromatic whites – as well as the wines of Saint-Mont, around Riscle. Further south, Madiran and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh round off the selection.
Very close to the château, in Caupenne-d’Armagnac, the Domaine de Miselle cultivates its vines on the hillsides of the Bas-Armagnac region and produces Côtes de Gascogne wines, including a sweet white made from Petit Manseng. Please contact the estate for details of visiting arrangements.
Gascon cuisine
The cuisine of the Gers is centred on the duck : Foie gras, duck breast, confit, gizzards and rillettes feature on the menus of every restaurant. You can also try ‘garbure’, a rustic vegetable soup with confit, and ‘croustade’, a delicate apple puff pastry flavoured with Armagnac.
To buy these products directly from the producers, visit the markets in the Bas-Armagnac region : Nogaro, Eauze, Aignan, Riscle or Le Houga.
A gourmet break at the Château d’Izaute
Our Izaute Castle is an ideal base from which to explore the vineyards and restaurants of Bas-Armagnac. In the morning, our B&B guests enjoy a home-made breakfast.
On request, we can organise bistronomic meals at the estate: discover the services offered at the estate. Our charming guest rooms and our charming holiday cottages are open all year round.
FAQ
What is Bas-Armagnac?
Bas-Armagnac is one of the three terroirs within the Armagnac appellation, situated to the west of the Gers. Its sandy soils produce eaux-de-vie renowned for their finesse.
What is Floc de Gascogne?
It is an aperitif from the Gers region, made from fresh grape juice and young Armagnac. It is available in white and rosé varieties.
What local specialities should you try in the Gers?
Foie gras, duck breast and duck confit, garbure, apple and Armagnac croustade, not to mention Armagnac and Floc de Gascogne.
Is it possible to visit a vineyard near Château d’Izaute?
Yes, several estates in the Bas-Armagnac region offer tours and tastings, including the Domaine de Miselle in Caupenne-d’Armagnac. Please contact them before you visit.