Côtes de Bergerac AOC

Bergerac has produced wine since the 13th century. Exports to England began in 1254, when Henry III granted the region special trading privileges, and a charter allowing free transport to the Atlantic followed in 1511. During the Wars of Religion, Bergerac became an important trading partner with Holland and Scandinavia. For centuries, Bergerac wines were sold under the generic Bordeaux label, and it was only in the 20th century that the region was forced to establish its own identity. Côtes de Bergerac received its independent AOC decree in October 2009, with subsequent revisions in 2011, 2013, and June 2014.

• Exports to England began 1254 under privileges from Henry III
• Charter for free Atlantic transport granted 1511
• Wines sold as generic Bordeaux until the 20th century
• Independent AOC decree granted October 2009

Côtes de Bergerac AOC is a sub-appellation within the broader Bergerac wine region of Southwest France, sharing the same geographical zone as the parent Bergerac AOC across 90 communes in the Dordogne department. The distinction lies entirely in production requirements rather than terroir. Côtes de Bergerac imposes lower maximum yields (50 hl/ha versus 55 hl/ha for Bergerac AOC), a higher minimum alcohol level (11% versus 10%), and a mandatory requirement to blend at least two grape varieties. These rules result in wines of greater structure, concentration, and aging potential.

• Spans 90 communes in the Dordogne department
• Same geographical zone as Bergerac AOC; distinction is regulatory, not territorial
• Maximum yield 50 hl/ha; minimum alcohol 11% vol
• At least two grape varieties must be blended in every wine

The appellation sits within the Dordogne River valley, and the proximity of the river defines much of the terroir. North of the Dordogne, soils consist of gravel and sand sediments over a limestone base; south of the river, limestone with red clay predominates. Throughout the zone, clay-limestone, gravelly clay (boulbènes), and sandy soils are found, all offering excellent drainage. The climate is temperate oceanic with continental influences, delivering colder winters and hotter summers than nearby Bordeaux. The region records 196 fine weather days per year, 73 of which feature strong sunshine, with 116 days of rainfall. Autumn mists combined with afternoon sun create ideal conditions for noble rot (botrytis cinerea), which is crucial for the production of moelleux whites.

• North of Dordogne: gravel-sand sediments on limestone; south: limestone with red clay
• Temperate oceanic climate with continental influences; hotter summers than Bordeaux
• 196 fine weather days per year, including 73 with strong sunshine
• Autumn mists and afternoon sun promote botrytis cinerea for sweet white production

Merlot is the dominant red variety, accounting for approximately 60% of red plantings. It is blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec (Côt), Fer Servadou, and the rare Mérille. Red wines are full-bodied, structured, and mellow, with the aging potential to reward cellaring. White wines are produced from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Muscadelle, Sauvignon Gris, Ondenc, Chenin Blanc, and Ugni Blanc, spanning off-dry, medium-sweet, and fully sweet moelleux styles, with fruity and floral character. Rosé wines are also permitted under the appellation.

• Merlot dominates red blends at approximately 60% of plantings
• Red varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Fer Servadou, Mérille
• White varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Muscadelle, Sauvignon Gris, Ondenc, Chenin Blanc, Ugni Blanc
• White styles range from off-dry to sweet moelleux; rosé also permitted