Nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees, this little-known South-Western appellation shares the same appellation area as Madiran, straddling the departments of Gers, Pyrénées-Atlantiques and Hautes-Pyrénées. While Madiran is a red wine,AOC Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh produces dry and sweet white wines. Covering just 300 hectares of vines, Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh is a rare and confidential appellation.

Where does the name of the appellation come from?

Strange name, isn’t it? Pacherenc comes from the contraction of “Pachets en renc”, a Béarnaise expression meaning “stakes in a row”.

Vic-Bilh means “the old country” and covers north-eastern Béarn with the cantons of Lembeye, Thèze and Garlin.

Characteristics of Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh

Within the Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh appellation, 2 appellations are commonly distinguished: AOC Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh for sweet wines, which account for two-thirds of production, and AOC Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh sec for dry white wines.

Pacherenc wines benefit from an oceanic climate, with rainy springs and hot summers accompanied by the Foehn, the south wind: ideal conditions for the production of sweet wines!

To produce mellow Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh, the natural passerillage method is used: the water is left to settle for a few days.he grapes on the vine so that they benefit from the sun as long as possible. This dehydrates the berries, concentrating the sugars. The grapes are harvested late (mid-November to December in some cases) and are sorted several times. It prefers the southern slopes of the southwestern hills, while dry Pacherenc favors the western slopes.

The white wine sec, harvested at the same time as Madiran, has a fruity character and is best drunk young.

The sweet wine, on the other hand, has great ageing potential and deserves to be laid down for ten years or so. It gives notes of honey, spices and exotic fruits.

The grape varieties used

Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh is made from local grape varieties such as Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng, Petit Courbu and Arrufiac.

To comply with AOC specifications, dry or sweet Parenchec must contain between 60% and 80% Petit or Gros Manseng and Petit Courbu. It may be blended with a minority grape variety such as Arrufiac and sometimes Sauvignon and Sémillon.

How to enjoy a Pacherenc du Vic Bilh white wine?

Pacherenc moelleux has a brilliant golden color with amber highlights. The nose reveals aromas of candied fruit, honey and spices. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, lively and powerful, with a characteristic roundness and harmony.

Sweet wines are best served at 8°C. It goes well with sweet and savory dishes, cheeses and fruit desserts.

Dry Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh is a beautiful soft gold color. The nose reveals aromas of citrus fruit, pineapple and honey. On the palate, it is lively, full-bodied and fleshy. Pair with grilled fish and seafood, and serve between 8°C and 10°C.

Unmissable Pacherenc du Vic-Bihl estates

Château Bouscassé

Also known for its Madiran wines, Château Bouscassé is a legendary estate in the Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh appellation. Alain Brumont took over the reins of the family estate in 1979, where he crafts his atypical cuvées. Visionary and true lover of the terroir, it has built its reputation on refined, elegant, rich and powerful wines.

Château d’Aydie

Since 1927, three generations of Pacherenc winemakers from the Laplace family have succeeded one another at Château d’Aydie. The tradition is to enhance the terroir to produce exceptional wines, including the historic Château d’Aydie and Odé d’Aydie cuvées, the jewels in the house’s crown.