Our grape varieties
Find out more about our 10 main grape varieties
Did you know there are over 10,000 grape varieties worldwide? That said, only a few have any regional or national significance, and you only have to remember 9 to be an expert in Bergerac and Duras Wine!
Why blended wine?
Why are there 10 varieties and not just one for reds and one for white wines?
It’s simple: ‘blended wine’ is when several varieties are combined to produce a deeper and more complex wine. Blending is compulsory in Bergerac but not in Duras.
Our winemakers vinify grape varieties and cuvées separately. Blending adds the finishing touch. Just like an artist with their pots of paint, a winemaker blends varieties and cuvées to produce the best possible wine.
They shape the style of the wine forging its personality by blending three varieties for a red wine and two for a white.
Our
red varieties
Merlot
Merlot is the most widespread variety in Bergerac. It grows on cool soil and gives wine lots of colour, suppleness and fleshy ripe red berry aromas.
Variety origins
Merlot, originating from the south-western part of France, is the most widely cultivated variety in France. It has been heavily exported to regions such as North America, Chile, Italy and Central Europe.
What are its aromas?
Black cherry – Strawberry – Raspberry – Redcurrant – Prune
Which of our appellations is found it in?
- Red Bergerac
- Rosé Bergerac
- Red Côtes de Bergerac
- Red Montravel
- Rosé Côtes de Duras
- Red Côtes de Duras
- Pécharmant
Cabernet sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon gives wine structure, body, dark fruit aromas and a dark deep colour that is purple in its youth and garnet with age.
Variety origins
Cabernet Sauvignon, a French variety and regional signature, is widespread around the world and grows in most winegrowing countries.
What are its aromas?
Almond - Blackcurrant bud – Undergrowth – Blackcurrant – Cedar – Cherry - Tropical fruit – Jasmine – Liquorice - Mild tobacco
Which of our appellations is it found in?
- Red Bergerac
- Rosé Bergerac
- Red Côtes de Bergerac
- Red Montravel
- Rosé Côtes de Duras
- Red Côtes de Duras
- Pécharmant
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc brings freshness, finesse and aromatic complexity to the wine.
Variety origins
Cabernet Franc originates from southwestern France. It is believed to be the ancestor of the Cabernets, in particular the renowned Cabernet Sauvignon.
What are its aromas?
Strawberry – Redcurrant - Green pepper – Liquorice – Violet
Which of our appellations is it found in?
- Red Bergerac
- Bergerac rosé
- Red Côtes de Bergerac
- Red Montravel
- Rosé Côtes de Duras
- Red Côtes de Duras
- Pécharmant
Malbec
Malbec is famous for its complex and standout aromatic bouquet and its intense dark hue. It’s an original, punchy and fruity variety that you will find in wine such as our Pécharmant.
Variety origins
Malbec comes from southwestern France and is also known as Auxerrois or Côt.
France is the second-biggest Malbec producer after Argentina.
What are its aromas?
Cherry - Blackberry - Blueberry – Plum – Liquorice - Golden tobacco
Which of our appellations is it found in?
- Red Bergerac
- Rosé Bergerac
- Red Côtes de Bergerac
- Red Montravel
- Rosé Côtes de Duras
- Red Côtes de Duras
- Pécharmant
Mérille
It produces wines with modest alcohol levels (between 11° and 12°) and a beautiful color. When blended with other grape varieties, it makes a valuable contribution to modern red wines, characterized by fruitiness and freshness.
Variety origins
Mérille is a traditional Bergerac variety, native to the region and also known as Périgord. It was reintroduced as a secondary grape variety and is notable for its resistance to vine diseases and drought.
What are its aromas?
Cherry - Redcurrant - Raspberry
Which of our appellations is it found in?
- Rosé Bergerac
- Bergerac rosé
Our
white varieties
Sauvignon
Expressive Sauvignon reveals intense aromas of blackcurrant bud and undergrowth complemented by citrus, white flowers and tropical fruit notes. It’s incredibly fresh and brings out a wonderful earthiness from our Montravel terroir. It’s the ultimate versatile variety for dry white, sweet and dessert wines, some of which are single-variety wines.
Variety origins
Sauvignon is an Atlantic variety from Western France. Nobody knows if it first appeared on the banks of the Loire or the Garonne.
What are its aromas?
Blackcurrant bud – Undergrowth – Lemon – White fruit – Tropical fruit – Jasmine – Grapefruit – Peach
Which of our appellations is it found in?
- White Bergerac
- Sweet white Côtes de Bergerac
- Rosette
- Monbazillac
- Saussignac
- Dry white Montravel
- Côtes de Montravel
- Haut-Montravel
- White Côtes de Duras
Sémillon
Sémillon is the main variety for sweet and dessert wine as it lends itself to noble rot. It also adds body and complexity to dry white wines. Sémillon produces complex, aromatic and fine wines that age well.
Variety origins
Sémillon comes from southwestern France, specifically the region north of Aquitaine, and is the second most popular white variety in France.
It is now grown outside of France, notably in Australia, California and South Africa.
What are its aromas?
Candied lemon - Acacia flower - Dried fruit - Honey - Blackcurrant - Hazelnut - Pear
Which of our appellations is it found in?
- White Bergerac
- Sweet white Côtes de Bergerac
- Rosette
- Monbazillac
- Saussignac
- Dry white Montravel
- Côtes de Montravel
- Haut-Montravel
- White Côtes de Duras
Muscadelle
A floral and fruity variety that exudes intense freshness. It is blended with Sémillon to make sweet and dessert wine.
Variety origins
It is believed to have originated in the Bergerac region. It may have been brought there from vineyards further south or resulted from a mutation. It’s presence was first mentioned in the 18th century in vineyards in Bordeaux, Bergerac and Lot et Garonne.
What are its aromas?
Honeysuckle - Acacia flower - Muscat - Orange zest
Which of our appellations is it found in?
- White Bergerac
- Sweet white Côtes de Bergerac
- Rosette
- Monbazillac
- Saussignac
- Dry white Montravel
- Côtes de Montravel
- Haut-Montravel
- White Côtes de Duras
Chenin Blanc
Highly aromatic Chenin Blanc produces fruity wines with a smooth bouquet and delicate acidity that can be laid down for a long time.
Variety origins
It may have spread through the south-west like wildfire but it comes from the Centre-Loire area.
What are its aromas?
Candied fruit, Broom, Grapefruit, Apricot, Acacia, Spices, Dried fig, Truffle, Honeysuckle, Acacia flower, Muscat, Orange zest
Which of our appellations is it found in?
- White Côtes de Duras
- Sweet Côtes de Duras
Ugni Blanc
This variety’s high acidity brings freshness to the wine.
Variety origins
This Tuscan variety came from Italy to France in the Middle Ages. It is now very popular in Southern French terroirs, including the south-west. France is actually the country where it is the most cultivated.
What are its aromas?
Citrus, Lemon, Honeysuckle, Acacia flower, Muscat, Orange zest
Which of our appellations is it found in?
- White Côtes de Duras
- Sweet Côtes de Duras
- White Bergerac