Are you looking for a white wine that stands out from the ordinary? Dive into the fascinating world of AOC Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh, a true viticultural treasure from the Southwest of France. Unknown to the general public, this superb appellation nevertheless produces sweet and dry white wines that are distinguished by their unique character and great aromatic richness.
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History of Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh
The AOC Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh is distinguished by a history as rich as the aromas of its wines.Located in the Pyrenean foothills, this appellation covers a territory shared between the Hautes-Pyrénées, the Gers, and the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. Its name, a blend of the Gascon "pachets en renc" (stakes in a row) and "Vic-Bilh" (old country), evokes an ancient winemaking past.
The first traces of viticulture in the region indeed date back to the Gallo-Roman era, when the Romans introduced vine cultivation in the conquered provinces of Gaul. The Vic-Bilh region, with its sun-exposed hills and clay-limestone soils, was quickly identified as favorable for viticulture.
In the Middle Ages, viticulture continued to develop in the region under the influence of the abbeys. The monks, often skilled winemakers, were then the guardians of viticultural expertise.The wine produced at that time was mainly used for liturgical purposes, but was also beginning to be recognized for its taste qualities. It was also during this period that the wine trade from the region expanded to neighboring cities and even to Spain, thanks to the trade routes established by pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
By the 13th century, the vineyards were well established and viticulture was an important part of the local economy.
In the 16th century, the dry and sweet white wines of the appellation began to be exported to Holland via the port of Bayonne. At the time, the local vintages were called the " vins du Vic-Bilh " (the wines of the old country).
As in many French wine regions, local viticulture suffered a severe blow in the 19th century with the arrival of phylloxera, a pest insect that destroyed a large part of European vineyards. The reconstruction was slow and laborious, and wine production in the region declined for several decades. It was also during this time that the name Pacherenc appeared, derived from the Occitan "pachère" meaning "stake", in reference to the stakes used to support the vines.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh was but a shadow of what it had been.However, the creation of the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh in 1948 marked a crucial step in the history of this wine and the viticulture of the southwest of France.
This official recognition, for both the red wines of Madiran and the white wines of Pacherenc (the two appellations largely evolve on common terroirs, but the AOC Madiran is reserved for the production of red wines while the AOC Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh is for the production of white wines), indeed allowed to preserve and enhance local expertise that was at risk of disappearing due to various viticultural crises.
Dr. Pierre Doléris played a decisive role in obtaining this AOC.This doctor, originally from the region, was also a great advocate of local winemaking traditions and a fervent promoter of Madiran and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh wines. As early as the 1930s, he realized the need to revitalize the region's vineyards, which had been severely affected by phylloxera and the First World War.
Doléris quickly understood that the promotion of wines would only be achieved through official recognition that would guarantee the quality and specificity of the terroir. He actively campaigned for the protection of local grape varieties and the establishment of strict production standards. It is therefore largely thanks to his efforts, in collaboration with other local winemakers and wine experts, that an official application was submitted for the AOC designation.
Starting from the 1980s, the appellation experienced a true revival, thanks to a production boosted by players like the Plaimont Producteurs cooperative. This development was accompanied by the reactivation of the tradition of late harvests, allowing for the production of delicious sweet wines. In parallel, the dry pacherencs, coming from the west-facing hills, continued to be appreciated for their freshness.
Today, the AOC Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh covers 300 hectares spread over about thirty communes and is recognized for its production of great white wines.
Climates and soils of Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh
The terroir of the AOC Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh is as varied as it is captivating. The vineyard, located between 150 and 300 meters in altitude, benefits from an oceanic climate with continental influences. The warm days and cool nights create here ideal conditions for a slow and balanced ripening of the grapes.
Moreover, the majority of the soils in the area are clay-limestone and allow for good water retention. However, within certain parts of the appellation, there are more gravelly and stony soils, especially on the steepest slopes.These less fertile terroirs force the vines to delve deeply to seek water and nutrients, thereby enhancing the concentration of aromas as well as the minerality of the wines.
Finally, at the foot of the hills, some plots are located on alluvial terraces, featuring lighter and sandy soils. These are often favored for the production of sweet wines.
The combination of these varied terroirs and this mixed climate gives rise here to complex white wines, both lively and aromatic, characterized by a beautiful acidity.
The clay-limestone soils of Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh offer ideal conditions for producing complex white wines
The wines of the AOC Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh
As you may have understood, the production of wines from the AOC Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh is divided into two main categories : dry white wines and sweet white wines.
The sweet Pacherencs du Vic-Bilh are often appreciated for their richness and balance. Obtained through passerillage, the grapes are left on the vine until they reach a very high sugar concentration. Harvesting is done late, usually between mid-November and the end of December.The sweet wines of the AOC are characterized notably by a golden color as well as a full and round palate. On the palate, aromas of candied fruits, exotic fruits, but also honey and spices are revealed…
The dry Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh, on the other hand, are less known but just as pleasant. Their freshness often combines with a nice richness on the palate as well as fruity (peach, apricot, citrus) and floral notes. For this type of wine, the harvest takes place earlier, generally in September.
Whether for sweet or dry wines, the main grape varieties here are Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng as well as Petit Courbu and Courbu.Other varieties known as " accessories " can also be used, such as Sauvignon or the more local Arrufiac. Each time, at least two grape varieties must be used, including one of the main ones obligatorily.
What to eat with a Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh?
Did you know that a perfect pairing between food and wine can transform a simple meal into an unforgettable moment? The Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh, whether sweet or dry, has that little something that can enhance your favorite dishes.Let's dive together into some gourmet pairings!
For a sweet Pacherenc:
- Cheeses: Are you a fan of Roquefort or Bleu des Causses? Imagine the sweetness of Pacherenc intertwining with the powerful and distinctive taste of these cheeses.It's the perfect sweet and savory harmony!
- Foie gras: And why not the classic foie gras? The richness of this dish, combined with the complex flavors of a sweet Pacherenc, guarantees an explosion of taste!
- Desserts: How about ending on a high note with a fruit tart, such as apricot or quince, or even a chestnut tart? The sweetness of the sweet Pacherenc envelops each bite and could well be the highlight of your meal !
Apricot tart and sweet Pacherenc: a delight!
For a dry Pacherenc:
- Mixed salads: Craving a light salad? With the fresh and fruity aromas of the dry Pacherenc, it's a simple yet devilishly effective pairing.
- White meats: Chicken, turkey, pork... these white meats find an ideal companion in dry Pacherenc.The blend of flavors, does it speak to you?
- Exotic cuisine: Sushi and sashimi enthusiasts, have you ever thought of pairing them with a dry Pacherenc? This wine reveals the finesse of raw fish!
Sushi and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh, a perfect duo for lovers of exotic and refined pairings
If the majority of the dry whites from the appellation are meant to be consumed in their youth, many sweet and dessert wines from the appellation can easily be stored for 10 years or even 20 years (or more!) in the cellar.These are clearly vintages crafted for aging !
Finally, in terms of serving temperature, serve your sweet wines from Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh well chilled, between 8 and 10°C, to fully unleash their aromatic palette. For dry whites, the same temperature can be applied, but if your vintage has a nice body, serving between 10-12°C is also possible.
So, which ring will you be tempted by for your next evening out?
What are the best wines from Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh?
To beautifully conclude this oenological adventure, let us introduce you to one of the most important personalities of the region : Alain Brumont.
An emblematic figure of the wines of the South-West, this iconic winemaker actively participated, starting in the 1980s, in the great revival of the region's wines. Today, the production from his estates, Château Montus and Château Bouscassé, shines across the world.Even their trading wines are of very good quality and offer wonderful value for money!
Today, at the helm of 250 hectares, Vignobles Brumont continues to be an absolute reference throughout the Southwest, and Alain, although still involved, has now handed over the reins of the house to his son-in-law Antoine Veiry. Discover their magnificent vintages, you won't regret it!
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