Our grape varieties
Find out more about our 9 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 blend wine?
Why are there 9 varieties and not just one for reds and one for white wine?
It’s simple: “blended wine” is when several varieties are brought together to produce deeper and more complex wine. Blending is compulsory in Bergerac but not in Duras.
Our winemakers make varieties and vintages separately. Blending adds the finishing touch. Just like an artist with their pots of paint, a winemaker blends varieties and vintages to produce the best possible wine.
They give the wine its own personality by blending three varieties for red and two for white wine.
Our
red varieties
Merlot
Variety origins
Merlot hails from South West France. The most-grown variety in France was heavily exported to North America, Chile, Italy and Central Europe.
What are its aromas?
Black cherry – Strawberry – Raspberry – Redcurrant – Prune
Which designations is it in?
- Red Bergerac
- Rosé Bergerac
- Red Côtes de Bergerac
- Red Montravel
- Rosé Côtes de Duras
- Red Côtes de Duras
- Pécharmant
Cabernet sauvignon
Variety origins
Cabernet sauvignon is a French variety and regional signature. The variety is widespread around the world and grows in most vine-growing countries.
What are its aromas?
Almond - Blackcurrant bud – Undergrowth – Blackcurrant – Cedar – Cherry - Tropical fruit – Jasmine – Liquorice - Golden tobacco
Which designations is it in?
- Red Bergerac
- Rosé Bergerac
- Red Côtes de Bergerac
- Red Montravel
- Rosé Côtes de Duras
- Red Côtes de Duras
- Pécharmant
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc gives wine its freshness, finesse and aromatic complexity.
Variety origins
Cabernet Franc hails from South West France. Cabernets and the famous Cabernet Sauvignon all descend from it.
What are its aromas?
Strawberry – Redcurrant - Green pepper – LIquorice – Violet
Which designations is it in?
- Red Bergerac
- Rosé Bergerac
- Red Côtes de Bergerac
- Red Montravel
- Rosé Côtes de Duras
- Red Côtes de Duras
- Pécharmant
Malbec
Malbec is famous for its complex and stand-out aromatic bouquet and its deep 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 South West 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 designations is it in?
- Red Bergerac
- Rosé Bergerac
- Red Côtes de Bergerac
- Red Montravel
- Rosé Côtes de Duras
- Red Côtes de Duras
- Pécharmant
Mérille
Variety origins
Mérille is a classic Bergerac variety. It comes from here and is also known as Périgord. It was reintroduced as a secondary grape variety. It stands out for its resistance to vine disease and drought.
What are its aromas?
Cherry - Redcurrant - Raspberry
Which designations is it in?
- Red Bergerac
- Rosé Bergerac
Our
white varieties
Sauvignon
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 designations is it 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 gives dry white wine body and complexity. Sémillon produces complex, aromatic and fine wine which ages well.
Variety origins
Sémillon comes from South West France, the region north of Aquitaine to be exact, and is the second most popular white variety in France. It is now produced outside our borders and exported in Australia, California and South Africa.
What are its aromas?
Citron confit - Candied lemon - Acacia flower Dried fruit - Honey - Blackcurrant - Hazelnut - Pear
Which designations is it 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 seems to come from the Bergerac region. It could have come from more southern vineyards or a mutation. It 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 designations is it 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 wine 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 designations is it 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. We actually grow the most of it.
What are its aromas?
Citrus, Lemon, Honeysuckle, Acacia flower, Muscat, Orange zest
Which designations is it in?
- White Côtes de Duras
- Sweet Côtes de Duras
- White Bergerac