Not since the Hundred Years War have the British descended on the Dordogne in such numbers. Thankfully there is not so much rape and pillage these days and what raids there are take place in four-by-fours rather than on horseback. However, there is still booty to be plundered in the shape of pâté and confit, truffles and walnuts, not to mention the wines of the region. The 13 appellations of the Bergerac area offer a whole range of tastes from the reds of Pécharmant and Montravel to the rich pickings of Monbazillac and Saussignac.I hope this guide will help you discover the charming wines and equally charming people of the Dordogne, their passion to create the best possible wines from their terroir and the warmth of their welcome, a far cry from those less hospitable times in the fourteenth century.
This is an extensive book by Phil Hargeaves covering the wines of Bergerac, France. This 159 page book features a producer on each page covering extensive details including:
Winemaker, Address, Contact Details, Directions, Appellations, Vineyards, Terroir, Viticulture, Vinification, History, Comments and Tour Visits .... more than enough to plan a tour of the area and discover the delights of the historic Bergerac wine region.
ISBN : 978-1-902645-51-3
RRP : £12.95 / 19.5 Euros
Foreword to Wines of Bergerac by Christine Austin
With its vineyards adjoining those of Bordeaux, Bergerac has always struggled to emerge from the shadows of its more illustrious neighbour. For generations the wines of Bergerac have been seen as the poor relation in this part of South West France - growing the same grape varieties as Bordeaux on similar soil, but without the illustrious top names that lend the region a sheen of elegance.
But Bergerac has its own charms and is now seeing a resurgence in the quality of its wines. Neglected properties are being revived, old untidy vineyards are being replanted and wines that were only good for drinking locally are now finding markets overseas.
All this, in part, is because of a new generation of growers who now occupy the historic properties of the region. Many have come from outside the area, some from overseas, bringing investment, new enthusiasm and a wider perspective than was possible just a generation ago. In cases where family-owned properties have been handed down to the younger generation, they have prepared in a way their fathers could not have done, by working overseas and gaining experience in producing quality wines.
The result is that Bergerac is on the brink of a new wave, still with its history and traditions intact, but now once again prepared to take advantage of its unique landscape, climate, grapes and soil to make quality wines that run the whole range from dry whites, through roses, reds and glorious mouth-filling sweet whites.
Phil Hargeaves has journeyed around Bergerac and its smaller districts Monbazillac, Montravel, Pecharment, Rosette & Saussignac, talking to growers, tasting the wines and examining how this new wave of dynamism is changing the face of this small corner of France. Now ready to emerge from the shadows, Bergerac is once again a region that is worth exploring for its quality wines, its glorious food and inimitable style.
Christine Austin
Wine writer for The Yorkshire Post
Louis Roederer Regional Wine Writer of the Year 2006
