In 1979, André Dubosc convinced three wine cooperatives of Plaisance, Aignan and Saint-Mont to join forces – and initials – to set up a united wine producing group. His actions were transformative for the South Western region: up until that point, the grapes were grown for brandy production, but in the post-digestif era of the 70s, demand plummeted taking the local wine industry down with it.
Today it’s a different story: the group manages 5,000ha of vines and over 1000 growers contribute their grapes into an array of whites, reds and roses. The scale of their success is admirable, they represent 98% of Saint-Mont production, and nearly half of Cotes de Gascogne, Madiran and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh producion.
Plaimont focus on preserving the flavour and identity of the region, using local varietals and reviving forgotten grapes. In 2002, they created the Conservatoire Ampelographique – an experimental conservatory vineyard and the largest of its kind in France – cementing their progressive reputation.
