The Bergerac vineyard
The Bergerac vineyard extends over 12 hectares along the Dordogne river. It is made up of 000 appellations including those of Monbazillac and Pécharmant which are certainly the most renowned.
A bit of history
It was the Romans who first planted vines in the region.
Formerly, the castles of the Vézère valley were surrounded by vineyards, unfortunately phylloxera has wreaked havoc like everywhere in France and there are no more vines left in this part of Périgord. Alone the Domme region has preserved a few hectares in Périgord Noir and offers Domme Wine. The Dordogne vineyards are mainly located in the Bergerac region from now on.
What types of wine are produced in Dordogne?
Bergerac winegrowers offer red wines balanced and fruity, roses fresh with a light dress but also white people. Aromatic and delicate dry whites, whites between semi-dry and sweet which bear comparison with our neighbors on the coast of Gascony and finally sweet whites which have made the region's reputation for many years.
With Bergerac wines, there is something for everyone!
What grape varieties are found in Bergeracois?
Bergerac grape varieties are largely the same as those of Bordeaux.
For red wines and rosés we find: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec.
On the white side: Sauvignon blanc, Sauvignon gris, Sémillon, Muscadelle, Chenin.
We will also note the presence of Chardonnay and Savagnin in the composition of certain local wines.
What season to visit the Bergeracois vineyards?
Of course, the shimmering fall colors on the vines are magnificent. However, to make the most of the vineyard while having the best chance of being able to exchange with the winegrowers, choose winter or summer. These two seasons require less work in the vineyards and in the cellars. Winegrowers make themselves available through events such as the oyster and wine festival in Eymet or the Jazz festival in Chai which takes place in different wine properties.
Where can you find Bergerac?
On all the good tables in Dordogne! Find the list of restaurants in the Vézère valley HERE.
If you want to buy bottles and share them with your friends when you get home, there are several possibilities: you bring together cellars and cellars who make direct sale or order online.
In Le Bugue, a family house offers you a vast selection of Bergerac wines from the region. Created in 1983, the Julien de Savignac cellar also has its own vineyard in Bergerac: Clos l'Envège in Monbazillac, acquired in 1998. You will find no less than 11 Julien de Savignac cellars spread between the Dordogne (Le Bugue, Sarlat, Brantôme) and the Paris region.
Which Bergerac wine for which dish?
We help you impress your friends during a Périgord meal 😉
- A Périgord salad? A Pecharmant. It is an appellation which has the particularity of only existing in red.
- An asparagus soup? A Dry white Bergerac. Certainly the least known appellation in the region but just as tasty.
- Duck confit? A Bergerac red, if possible aged in barrels to bring balance between the dish and the wine.
- A walnut cake? A Soft Bergerac. This appellation will have more freshness than Monbazillac while retaining the aromatic exuberance.
- Strawberry cake? A Monbazillac for the greediest or Rosette for the most delicate.