The region is familiar to many holidaymakers, but its wines are often all but forgotten, thanks a host of confusing names and sub-zones, not to mention its proximity to Bordeaux. But persevere, says Stephen Brook, and you’ll find some of the best value wine in France.
Stephen Brook’s best Bergerac reds
Les Chemins d’Orient, Cuvée Bouzkashi 2008
18/20pts (93/100pts)
Generously fruity nose of cherries and blueberries. Supple, juicy and concentrated, but also bright and fresh, balanced and sleek. Good length.
Price N/A UK +33 (0)6 75 86 47 54
Drink 2013–2018
Alc 14%
Château Tour des Gendres, Gloire de Mon Père 2009
17.5/20pts (91/100pts)
Lively cherry nose with great purity.
With Cabernet and Malbec to bolster the Merlot, this is nonetheless a supple, elegant, fresh wine that avoids excessive extraction. Good length.
Price £13.81 Exel
Drink 2013–2018
Alc 14%
Clos du Breil, Expression, Côtes de Bergerac 2010
17.5/20pts (91/100pts)
Elegant, toasty nose, with cassis and mint aromas. Quite powerful, rich and suave, with fine acidity. Lifted stylish finish, with good length.
Price N/A UK leclosdubreil.free.fr
Drink 2013–2020
Alc 14%
Château Tiregand 2009
17/20pts (90/100pts)
Opulent cherry and blackberry aromas. Lush yet decidedly tannic, robust and spicy, but with enough acidity to give lift and persistence. Chewy finish.
Price £12.30 (2007) Tanners
Drink 2014–2020
Alc 13.5%
Clos des Verdots 2011
17/20pts (90/100pts)
Succulent, sour cherry nose. Mostly Merlot, so juicy, rounded and broad, its rich fruit balanced by good acidity. Quite long.
Price £10.95 (2010) H2Vin
Drink 2013–2018
Alc 14%
Château Jonc-Blanc, Class IK 2010
16.5/20pts (88/100pts)
Ripe, smoky, black cherry nose, with a touch of mint. Rich and concentrated if a touch overripe, with moderate acidity and length.
Price £11.99 (2009) Adnams, Dordogne Wines
Drink 2013–2016
Alc 14.5%
Château Vari 2009
16.5/20pts (88/100pts)
Lush, black fruit nose. Dense and spicy, with some weight and grip, and a fairly long, fresh finish.
Price £9.48 Christopher Piper
Drink 2013–2016
Alc 13.5%
Château Monestier La Tour, Terres Vieilles 2009
16/20pts (86/100pts)
Discreet, oaky, cherry and blackberry nose. Robust and concentrated but also suave and plump – though perhaps a touch heavy. Long finish.
Price £11.11 Exel
Drink 2013–2016
Alc 14.5%
