As its name suggests, this vineyard is located in south-western France, between the Massif Central and the Pyrenees, and covers 11 départements (Aveyron, Dordogne, Gers, Haute-Garonne, Hautes-Pyrénées, Lot, Lot-et-Garonne, Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Landes). These include the Bergerac AOC. The appellation area of this AOC covers 93 communes on both banks of the Dordogne, on some 13,000 hectares of soil composed mainly of limestone, clay, sand, silt and boulbènes. Vines of Cabernet-Franc, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Merlot, Muscadelle, Sauvignon and Semillon, among others, are planted in this appellation in the oceanic climate of this geographical zone, producing white, rosé and red wines with good ageing potential (3 years on average, up to 5 years for the reds). The wines of this appellation are supple and aromatic. They express aromas of red fruit (reds and rosés), violets (rosés), citrus and flowers (whites).
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AOC Bergerac: Everything You Need to Know About This Appellation
History of the AOC Bergerac Appellation
Located in the southwest of France, in the Dordogne region, the vineyard of the AOC Bergerac appellation is an extension of the Bordeaux vineyard. Benefiting from the same grape varieties and a mosaic of terroirs similar to its prestigious neighbor, the AOC Bergerac distinguishes itself from other appellations in the southwest. Officially recognized in 1936, AOC Bergerac is renowned today for the great diversity of its wines.
Climate and Terroir of the AOC Bergerac Appellation
Climate: Bergerac has a degraded oceanic climate, characterized by mild winters, hot summers, and regular precipitation throughout the year.
Soils: The vines of the AOC Bergerac grow on soils primarily composed of limestone, sand, and gravel. This diversity of soils imparts a wide range of flavors and aromas to the wines.
Key Grape Varieties of the AOC Bergerac
The AOC Bergerac appellation is characterized by grape varieties reminiscent of Bordeaux. For red and rosé wines, the main varieties are Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. For white wines, the key varieties are Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle.
Style of AOC Bergerac Wines
White Wine: The wine has a bright pale yellow color. The nose is often marked by aromas of citrus (grapefruit, lime), flowers, and sometimes vanilla. On the palate, the wines are fresh, round, and aromatic.
Rosé Wine: The color ranges from pale pink to deep pink (clairet). The nose generally evokes aromas of fresh red fruits. On the palate, these wines are aromatic and refreshing.
Red Wine: These wines present a deep red color. The nose opens with aromas of red and black fruits (cherry, red currant, black currant), spices, and vanilla. On the palate, the red wines of Bergerac can be generous and structured or round and fruity.
The Best Food Pairings with AOC Bergerac Wines
Here are our recommendations for the best food pairings with a bottle of wine from a domain or château in AOC Bergerac, whether it be white, rosé, or red:
White Wine:
- Fish terrine
- Lemon chicken
- Goat cheese
Rosé Wine:
- Tomatoes and mozzarella
- Tapenade
Red Wine:
- Duck breast
- Lamb stew (navarin)
- Cassoulet