Floc de Gascogne is the canonical Gers aperitif, a sweet fortified wine made by blending Armagnac into Gers grape must. Reservations recommended in season.
Where to eat it: 3 restaurants across 1 city.
Floc de Gascogne dates to at least the 16th century in the Gers, originally as a way to use young Armagnac and surplus grape must on Armagnac-producing farms. The drink received AOC status in 1990 and is now produced in red, white and rose styles. The Floc Confrerie, founded in 1985, defends the traditional recipe of one-third Armagnac to two-thirds grape must.
Common allergens: Sulphites
Tip from the editors. Floc de Gascogne is fortified, alcohol 17 percent: serve in small wine-glass portions, not full glasses. Pairs better with foie gras than with cassoulet.
This is the TableJourney editorial recipe, modelled on the canonical bistro / counter version. The first place to try the dish in its city of origin is below.
N5 Wine Bar on Rue de la Bourse is the brick-vaulted Toulouse wine bar named Best Wine Bar in the World in 2017, 2018 and 2019, with around 4,000 bottles.
Signature pour: Languedoc by the glass
Wine focus: Over 500 wines by the glass
Food: Snacks and small plates
Tip: Bookings essential for weekend evenings; the by-the-glass tour of France from the dedicated sommelier is the canonical first visit.
Le Bar Basque on Place Saint-Pierre is the Basque-leaning Toulouse bar with pintxos, sangria, regional ciders and a large summer garden terrace.
Signature drink: Sangria and Basque cider
Food: Gourmet pintxos
Tip: Order pintxos by the half-dozen and a glass of Irouleguy; the garden runs full first in summer.
Le Tire-Bouchon on Place Dupuy is the small family-run wine shop and bar of Philippe Lagarde, with a few tables among the boxes of organic and biodynamic.
Signature pour: Natural southwest by the bottle
Wine focus: Natural, organic and biodynamic wines
Food: Lunch fixed menus
Tip: Lunch is two courses at €16 and three courses at €21; buy a bottle from the shop rather than ordering by the glass.
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