Côtes de Bergerac AOC

How Does Côtes de Bergerac Differ from Standard Bergerac AOC?

Although both regions share the same geographical area along the Dordogne River, the Côtes de Bergerac (translating to "Slopes of Bergerac") appellation is subject to much stricter quality regulations. Winemakers must maintain lower grape yields per hectare and ensure a higher natural sugar content in the berries. This guarantees that the wines are more concentrated, have a firmer structure, and boast better aging potential than basic Bergerac appellation wines.

Wine Styles and Grape Varieties

• Red Wines: Crafted from traditional Bordeaux varieties—Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. These wines feature a dark ruby color, aromas of ripe dark berries (blackcurrants, plums), leather, and light oak spice. They are full-bodied with rounded tannins.
• White (Moelleux) Wines: Côtes de Bergerac is particularly famous for its semi-sweet/sweet white wines (known as Moelleux). Made from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes, they dazzle with aromas of honey, peaches, acacia flowers, and apricots while maintaining an excellent fresh finish.

Gastronomic Recommendations

Thanks to their firm structure, red Côtes de Bergerac wines are the perfect companion for meat dishes. Pair them with beef steaks, duck confit, spicy sausages, or game stews. Meanwhile, the sweeter white (Moelleux) wines are a fantastic match for blue cheeses, foie gras pâtés from our wine snacks selection, or fruit tarts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can these red wines be aged?

Yes. Because of the stricter production requirements and higher tannin concentration, good Côtes de Bergerac red wines can age beautifully in the cellar for 5 to 8 years, developing more complex earthy and spicy aromas.

Is Côtes de Bergerac white wine always sweet?

Yes, under French appellation rules, if a bottle is labeled as Côtes de Bergerac Blanc (white), it must be a Moelleux (semi-sweet or sweet) style. Dry white wines from the region are simply labeled as Bergerac Sec.