Pacherenc du Vic Bilh

Located in the Hautes-Pyrénées, the Gers, and the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, between two administrative regions (Aquitaine and Midi-Pyrénées), the Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh appellation area overlaps with that of Madiran and also falls within the Béarn appellation area.The Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh AOC was established by decree on July 10, 1948, and applies exclusively to white wines produced in this region. 

The Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh appellation thus covers approximately 1,400 hectares north of Pau.

The vineyards of the Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh appellation are planted on three types of soil: siliceous soils over colluvial rounded pebbles—which are very stony, warm, and dry—at the top of the hillsides; clay-limestone soils over hardened molasse and marsh or lacustrine limestone at the base of the hillsides; and silty-clay soils that are sometimes not very permeable. Within the Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh appellation, clay and limestone soils are preferred for the red grape varieties used to produce Madiran wine. Terroirs dominated by clay and silica favor white grape varieties, which are used to produce the dry or sweet wines of Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh. The climate, which is predominantly oceanic, becomes more continental from the southwest to the northeast of the appellation.

The grape varieties primarily used for Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh wine are Arrufiat, Courbu, Gros and Petit Manseng, Sauvignon, and Sémillon. Two-thirds of Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh wines are dry whites, with the remainder of production consisting of sweet wines. These sweet wines are not produced using the noble rot technique, as in Bordeaux, but rather through the natural dehydration of the grapes on the vine—a process known as passerillage. Notable producers include Château Montus, Cave de Crouseilles, and Château Bouscassé.

Whether made from Sauvignon or Courbu grapes, Pacherenc du Vic Bilh delights the senses of those who taste it. This wine, native to southwestern France, brings the sunshine it has soaked up right into your glass.

Sweet and dry Pacherenc du Vic Bilh wines are similar in many ways. On the palate, both exhibit a certain roundness, although the sweet Pacherenc du Vic Bilh is more full-bodied. Visually, both wines have a golden color, with the sweet Pacherenc du Vic Bilh displaying coppery undertones. The color of the dry Pacherenc du Vic Bilh is fairly uniform. Finally, on the nose, honey is present in both wines but remains in the background; the dry wine offers more tart notes compared to the sweet wine.

Dry Pacherenc wine is best enjoyed young, right after purchase. In contrast, sweet Pacherenc du Vic Bihl can be cellared for up to 5 years to reach its peak flavor.

Whether you're looking to expand your collection of fine wines or to pair them with a delicious meal, here are a few suggestions:

- 2017 Château Laffitte-Teston (dry)

- Château de Viella, 1999 (sweet)

- Domaine Sergent 2018 (dry)

- Le Clos de l'Église 2016 (sweet)

Wines bearing the Pacherenc du Vic Bilh appellation can be served with either an appetizer or dessert. Like any white wine, they pair wonderfully with seafood and fish. But they can also be enjoyed with pork or poultry dishes. On the sweeter side, Pacherenc du Vic Bilh wine brings out the best in tangy desserts such as red berry mousses or pastries made with exotic fruits.