Wines : Pécharmant (5 to 12 euros)

The lay out of the Pécharmant vineyard is organised in a semi-circle, North of Bergerac, on the North Bank of the Dordogne. The specificity of the vineyard comes from its soil made of “sand and gravel from the Perigord” a result of the transformation of granite rock in the Massif Central. The terroir has been subjected to a partial washing that has driven the clay and the iron into the sub-soil.

The richness of Pécharmant stems from the balance achieved between the blends of perfectly matured varieties. Which means, on average, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon for the body and bouquet, 16% Cabernet Franc for a more gentle scent, 41% Merlot for suppleness, 7% Côt red or Malbec for the velvety finish.

Pécharmant wines are blessed with a rich, dark and solid colour. They are generous, full-bodied and robust. Ample and rich in tannin, chewy or even somewhat severe when they are young, they imply their longevity. With age, they soften and their bouquet develops.

(More information: www.vins-bergerac.fr)