Atlas de la France vinicole - Les vins de Bordeaux - Régions de Sauternes et Barsac 1941

The 1941 original map by L. Larmat, titled "Atlas de la France vinicole – Les vins de Bordeaux: Régions de Sauternes et Barsac", provides an intricate and precise depiction of two of the most famous sweet wine-producing areas in the world. Printed by Dorel in Paris, this map is part of Larmat’s wider atlas documenting France’s most esteemed wine regions. It highlights the Sauternes and Barsac appellations, which are located within the Graves sub-region of Bordeaux.

Sauternes and Barsac are celebrated globally for their luscious sweet white wines, produced from grapes affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). This unique climatic phenomenon, fostered by the proximity of the Garonne and Ciron rivers, concentrates the sugars in the grapes, resulting in richly sweet yet balanced wines. The 1941 Larmat map elegantly traces the contours of the vineyards, rivers, and terroirs that contribute to the distinctiveness of these wines, offering a precise visual representation of this renowned wine-producing area.

During the difficult context of World War II, when much of Europe was under stress, this map was produced as a testament to the continued importance of French viticulture. The Sauternes and Barsac regions had long been renowned, with Château d’Yquem standing at the pinnacle of global wine reputation. Larmat’s map, however, delves into more than just the famous estates, documenting the terroir and geography that make all wines from these regions so distinctive.

Both Sauternes and Barsac produce wines primarily from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes. These varieties are particularly well-suited to the region’s conditions, thriving in the gravelly and clay-limestone soils. Larmat’s map carefully delineates the precise areas where these vineyards are planted, highlighting the subtle variations in terroir that contribute to the different styles of wine produced within Sauternes and Barsac.

The map’s fine details make it not only a tool for winemakers and enthusiasts but also a work of art. Larmat’s cartography uses a soft color palette, with shades of green, yellow, and blue to differentiate between the various vineyard zones, rivers, and surrounding landscapes. The Garonne River and its tributary, the Ciron, are prominently featured, as they play a crucial role in the development of the unique microclimate necessary for noble rot to thrive.

At the heart of this region is the legendary Château d’Yquem, the only estate to be classified as a Premier Cru Supérieur in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. Its prominence on the map is a nod to its historical significance, but the map also illustrates lesser-known producers and châteaux, giving a fuller picture of the wine landscape in Sauternes and Barsac. Château Climens and Château Coutet, two prestigious Barsac producers, are also shown on the map, representing the rich diversity of producers contributing to the reputation of these sweet wines.

The wines of Sauternes are known for their golden color, intense sweetness, and complexity, with flavors ranging from apricots and honey to tropical fruits and spices. Barsac, while similar in style, is often considered slightly lighter and more delicate than its Sauternes counterpart, thanks to the cooler climate and the influence of clay-limestone soils in comparison to Sauternes’ more gravelly terroir. The Larmat map illustrates these subtle geographical distinctions, helping to explain the unique character of the wines from these two neighboring appellations.

Despite being produced during a tumultuous time, the quality of the map’s production is impeccable. Dorel’s printing captures the fine lines, typography, and shading that make Larmat’s work both highly functional and visually appealing. The map balances both scientific accuracy and artistic grace, providing a tool that is as informative as it is decorative.

Beyond its practical use in vineyard identification and understanding of terroir, this map is also a historical document. It reflects a period in which France’s cultural identity, particularly its wine culture, remained a source of national pride, even amidst the ravages of war. The Graves region, with its Sauternes and Barsac appellations, holds a particularly cherished place in the history of Bordeaux winemaking, and Larmat’s cartography serves as a visual representation of that heritage.

Collectors of Larmat’s Atlas de la France vinicole prize these maps for their beauty, precision, and insight into France’s wine-producing regions. The Sauternes and Barsac map is no exception, providing a window into one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious wine areas. Its combination of geographic detail, historical context, and artistic representation makes it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the world of fine wine.

Today, Larmat’s 1941 map remains a sought-after piece for wine enthusiasts, historians, and collectors alike. It offers a snapshot of a time when France’s wine industry was both preserving its traditions and preparing for a post-war future. The wines of Sauternes and Barsac, with their rich, luscious sweetness and incredible longevity, continue to be symbols of Bordeaux’s exceptional winemaking prowess, and this map provides an enduring tribute to their legacy.

Original Poster

Alcohol - Map - Gironde - France

Dorel - Paris

Good condition, original folds