Wines of the Dordogne Wine Region

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Wines of the Dordogne Wine Region

The Dordogne wine region (the Bergerac wine region) covers 13,000 hectares across 93 villages in Aquitaine, on both sides of the Dordogne River. The blend and choice of vines — Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec for reds; Sauvignon, Sémillon, Muscadelle for whites — create wines of remarkable variety and character. From the sweet wines of Monbazillac to the robust reds of Pécharmant, here is a guide to the wines of the Dordogne.

Bergerac AOC

The main appellation of the region, producing dry white wines, rosé wines, and red wines. Bergerac reds are fruity and approachable, made primarily from Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Fun fact: The Bergerac wine region is essentially the eastern extension of Bordeaux — the same grape varieties, the same river valley, but often at half the price.

  • ★ Main Dordogne appellation
  • ★ Red, white and rosé wines
  • ★ Same grapes as Bordeaux
  • ★ Excellent value wines

Monbazillac AOC

Famous for its sweet white wines made from botrytised (noble rot) grapes — Sémillon, Sauvignon and Muscadelle. A fabulous alternative to Sauternes at a fraction of the price.

Fun fact: Monbazillac is produced using the same noble rot technique as the great Sauternes wines but costs a fraction of the price.

  • ★ Sweet white wines
  • ★ Noble rot (botrytis)
  • ★ Alternative to Sauternes
  • ★ Excellent value

Pécharmant AOC

The finest red wine appellation of the Bergerac region, produced on the north bank of the Dordogne near Bergerac. These are structured, age-worthy reds made from Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec.

Fun fact: Pécharmant is the only appellation in the Bergerac region that can claim to produce wines capable of ageing 10+ years.

  • ★ Finest Bergerac reds
  • ★ Age-worthy wines
  • ★ North bank of Dordogne
  • ★ Rich and structured

Rosette AOC

A lesser-known appellation producing semi-sweet rosé wines from a small area north of Bergerac. A local speciality worth seeking out.

  • ★ Semi-sweet rosé
  • ★ Local speciality
  • ★ Small production
  • ★ North of Bergerac

Saussignac AOC

A small appellation producing sweet white wines similar to Monbazillac, using the same noble rot technique. Less famous but equally delicious.

  • ★ Sweet white wines
  • ★ Similar to Monbazillac
  • ★ Small production
  • ★ Noble rot technique

Montravel AOC

Produced on the south bank of the Dordogne, Montravel offers dry white wines from Sauvignon and Sémillon, as well as reds. Haut-Montravel produces sweet wines.

  • ★ Dry and sweet whites
  • ★ South bank appellation
  • ★ Sauvignon and Sémillon
  • ★ Haut-Montravel sweet wines

Planning a Dordogne trip? Browse all guides →

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