AOC Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh

History of the AOC Pacherenc-du-vic-bilh

The AOC Pacherenc-du-vic-bilh, located in the southwest of France, derives its unique name from the Occitan word "Pacherenc," meaning "vine," and "Vic-Bilh," which means "old country." Although it may not be as well-known on the French wine scene, this appellation boasts a long history, with vineyards dating back to Roman times. Today, the AOC Pacherenc-du-vic-bilh offers both dry and sweet white wines with excellent value for money.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Pacherenc-du-vic-bilh

• Climate: The region enjoys an oceanic climate with mountain influences, resulting in hot summers and relatively mild winters.
• Soils: The soils are primarily clay-limestone, with occasional gravel deposits, providing excellent drainage and heat reflection.

Key Grapes of the AOC Pacherenc-du-vic-bilh

The appellation favors indigenous grape varieties such as Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng, Arrufiac, and Petit Courbu, which may be supplemented by Sauvignon Blanc or Sémillon. These varieties give the AOC Pacherenc-du-vic-bilh white wines their distinctiveness and varied aromas.

Style of AOC Pacherenc-du-vic-bilh Wines

Dry White Wine:

• Appearance: Pale gold with green reflections.
• Aroma: Notes of white flowers, citrus, and white-fleshed fruits.
• Palate: Lively and fresh, with acidity balanced by a rich aromatic bouquet. A hint of minerality in the finish highlights the finesse of these dry white wines.

Sweet White Wine:

• Appearance: Golden, sometimes amber with age.
• Aroma: Rich aromatic palette with scents of exotic fruits, apricot, honey, and gingerbread.
• Palate: Smooth attack, evolving into a full and generous mouthfeel, yet retaining freshness. While dry white wines are best consumed young, sweet white wines can age for over 10 years, depending on the domain or vintage.

Best Food Pairings with AOC Pacherenc-du-vic-bilh Wines

Both dry and sweet white wines from AOC Pacherenc-du-vic-bilh pair well with a variety of dishes. Here are some recommendations for perfect food and wine pairings:

Dry White Wine:

• Chipirons (squid) with Espelette pepper
• Bayonne Ham
• Ossau-Iraty (sheep's cheese from the Basque Country)

Sweet White Wine:

• Foie gras de canard from Gers
• Apple croustade