The Appellation

The Côtes de Bergerac moelleux AOC is officially designated by the Côtes de Bergerac white AOC. It is thus distinguished because moelleux wines group the main part of the production of the appellation. The grape varieties are the same as for dry white wines, with a local preference for Sémillon, but harvest conditions differ. The grapes are manually harvested when over-matured, and then sorted to select the most beautiful berries before vinification. The Côtes de Bergerac moelleux are thus more or less sweet, depending on their sugar content. They can be drank young but become more intense after a few years ageing.

The nature of grounds reflects the size of the vineyard: from lakeside limestones to sands, including gravel clays. The multiplicity of the configurations connected to landforms, to waterways and to exposures creates a large number of local climates and allows each wine grower to differentiate himself.

The Wine

Bergerac moelleux are wines with a capacity to combine round body, subtlety and aromatic freshness. They are often appreciated for their aromas of beewax and honey, showing the over-maturation of the grapes, and their fine yellowish robe. The production is mainly issued from the grape variety Sémillon.

Grandissime’s advice

“They are an attractive alternative to the sweetness of liquoreux wines for other opportunities and other moments. Full of charm and with a more silky than soft texture, they are very popular because they are easy drinking wines, they correspond to the new trends and can be enjoyed with most types of food (sweet-sour preparations, aperitif, fishes in sauce, salads, some cheeses or even dessert).”