The Bergerac wine region is in Southwest France about 90 kilometers east of Bordeaux. The region consists of 10 appellations.

It’s pretty much an off the radar wine region that I don’t see very often at wine tastings. They have their indigenous grapes but for the most part they stick to the Bordeaux varietals.

They say the “hidden gem” of the region is the botrytis affected sweet wines of Monbazillac which they say can rival Sauterne but at a more accessible price. They use the similar grape varietals of Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle.

On October 13th I attended a “Mossaic of Terroirs, Ten appellations, One story” sit down Masterclass of six wines from the regions for members of the trade.

The tasting was held at Lafayette Grand Cafe at 380 Lafayette Street in lower Manhattan.

Masterclass

2024 Chateau de la Jaubertie “Mirabell” (Bergerac Blanc): Medium gold, sweet peaches and dusty earth on the nose, juicy with a chewy finish and nice acidity and balance.

2024 Chateau Le Fage “Monbazillac” (Monbazillac): Dessert wine with mostly Semillon. Medium gold, white flowers with botrytis notes on the nose, peachy and floral, medium sweet with nice acidity and balance.

2025 Terroir Grinou “Rien de Rien” (Perigord Blanc): Medium gold, sweet kiwi and tree bark on the nose, spicy lime notes on the finish, nice grip.

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2020 Chateau Masburel “La Patte de L’ours” (Cotes de Bergerac Rouge): Opaque black, short purple rim. perfume of minty black tar, crushed black fruit and meat notes on the nose, chewy black fruit with bitter chocolate notes, dusty, chewy finish.

2020 Chateau Beauportail “Quintessence de Beauportail” (Pecharmant): Opaque black, purple rim, tarry pickle juice on the nose, concentrated black fruit ending with tonque coating tannin.

2023 Chateau Tour des Gendres “La Gioire de Mon Pere” (Cotes de Bergerac Rouge): Opaque black, short purple rim, ripe sour black fruit, crushed rocks and earth on the nose, chewy and thick black fruit with dusty slate on the finish, chewy tannin.