Who makes it?

Chateau Tours des Gendres is a family run vineyard that was re-planted in 1984. Bergerac is one of those French regions that tend to be sold mostly domestically within France with only limited wines available outside France. This wine is a good one to start to understand the Bergerac region.

Grapes are not new to this vineyard though with records dating them back to the 12^th century. The original vineyards were decimated by phylloxera in the early 19^th century. The family have now converted those vineyards to organic standards.  Furthermore, they also have been trialling more traditional wine making techniques such as using amphora and producing petillant naturale sparkling wines.

How do they make it?

The ‘La Gloire de mon Père’ is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot. Just like the reds from the neighbouring Bordeaux regions. It has been aged in larger barrels for 12 months and then another 6 months in stainless steel before being bottled.

What does it taste like?

The wine has a lovely deep colour. Wafts of smoky, spicy earth bolster up the blackcurrant and plum fruit. The flavours of herbal liquorice slash across palate before the toasted cinnamon and blackcurrant kick in on the finish. A fuller bodied red, further fleshed out with some gritty tannins. 

Moreover, this is a good alternative if you want an interesting wine without the Bordeaux price tag.

This wine would also be good for some short cellaring.

What to drink it with?

A smoky spicy red like this is undoubtedly a good wine to drink with charcuterie, with pasta ragu, venison sausages or grilled Mediterranean vegetables tossed in a herbed, spicy rub.

Cheese

Cheddar and other hard cheeses. 

Quickie review «A toasty and warm spice introduction to the Bergerac region – well worth seeking out. »

Country of Origin:  Cotes de Bergerac AOC, France
Tasting Date: May 2022
Price:  UK £ 18| USD $20++ | €15
Drink: now – 7+ years
Needs food: no
Source: purchase

If you’d like to see more French red wines, why not check out:

Visit Chateau Tour des Gendres for more.