Bergerac

The right to use the controlled appellations Bergerac, Bergerac sec, Côtes-de-Bergerac, and Côtes-de-Bergerac moelleux was recognized by the decree of September 11, 1936, for red or white Bergerac wines produced in the district of Bergerac, in accordance with an area established and defined by the INAO.

The Bergerac vineyards are crossed from east to west by the Dordogne River and watered by many of its tributaries. Geologically, the outcropping formations in the region are mainly linked to the Tertiary and Quaternary periods. The Bergerac vineyards extend over hilly landscapes (boulbènes and limestone terreforts on the slopes of Monbazillac) and plateaus (Tertiary limestone plateaus and Quaternary gravel) that are largely sunny, on both banks of the Dordogne River. The Bergerac vineyards cover a total area of around 13,000 hectares, including all the Bergerac AOCs, of which 7,500 hectares are dedicated to Bergerac red AOCs and 5,500 hectares to Bergerac white AOCs.
The grape varieties used for Bergerac red wine are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and to a lesser extent, Côt or Malbec and, more rarely, Fer Servadou, Mérille or Périgord. For Bergerac white wine , the grape varieties used are Sémillon, Sauvignon, Muscadelle and, to a very small extent, Ondenc and Chenin blanc. Ugni blanc is an accessory grape variety (maximum 25%). The percentage of Sauvignon in the blend must be at least equal to that of Ugni blanc if the latter is present. For all Bergerac AOC wines, the wines must be a blend of at least two grape varieties. The qualities of the appellation can be fully appreciated thanks, in particular, to the wines produced by Château Tour des Gendres, Château Moulin Caresse and Domaine de L'Ancienne Cure.