Wines Bergerac Château Rudelle - Excellence - 2017

Viniou Reviews

Château Rudelle’s 2017 Cuvée Excellence Bergerac Rouge captures the quintessential charm of the region’s wines. This blend, produced under the Bergerac AOC, is typically composed of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, reflecting the Bordeaux influence pervasive throughout Bergerac. The 2017 vintage experienced favourable growing conditions, with a balanced maturity contributing to refined tannins and vibrant fruit expression. The vinification process leans towards a classic approach, favouring temperature-controlled fermentations and a measured touch of oak ageing, allowing ripe red and black fruit profiles—think cherry, blackcurrant, and plum—to shine, complemented by hints of spice, cedar, and sometimes subtle earthy undertones.

The Bergeracois lies in the South-West, a region steeped in history, shaped by centuries of viticulture and distinct from Bordeaux by both character and terroir. The climate offers a harmonious blend of Atlantic freshness and continental warmth, ensuring the grapes benefit from a gradual, even ripening. Bergerac’s soils are impressively diverse, ranging from gravelly terraces to clay-limestone slopes, bestowing depth and complexity to its wines. The area boasts a proud winemaking heritage dating back to Roman times, its reds long revered for their structure, elegance, and approachability in youth.

For food pairings, this Bergerac Rouge makes a superb companion to a wide array of dishes. The wine’s supple structure and nuanced fruitiness work wonders with regional classics such as confit de canard, grilled magret de canard, or cassoulet. It equally elevates roasted meats, lamb shanks, hard cheeses like tome de Brebis, and rustic terrines. Vegetarian fare such as mushroom risotto or lentil-based stews also find a delightful match.

To fully appreciate Château Rudelle’s Cuvée Excellence, serve it at a temperature of 16-18°C. If possible, decant the wine for thirty minutes to open up its aromatic range. Enjoy it over the next few years to capture the harmonious balance of its fruit and gentle tannins.