AOP Pacherenc du Vic Bilh

The Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh PDO in a few words

Find our selection of organic wines from Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh.

The Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh PDO, nestled in southwestern France, is a unique appellation producing fine white wines, both dry and sweet. Located close to the Madiran appellation, known for its powerful red wines, the Pacherenc region offers a striking contrast with its delicate white wines, rich in aroma and elegance.

The appellation's name comes from the local expression "vin de pacherenc", meaning "wine from stilted vines", and Vic-Bilh, which refers to the surrounding hilly region. With typical grape varieties such as Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng and Petit Courbu, Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh wines are distinguished by their freshness, aromatic complexity and remarkable balance between sugar and acidity.

Whether dry, perfect for accompanying fish or cheese, or mellow, ideal for desserts or foies gras, Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh wines seduce with their richness and typicity.

The Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh PDO is located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, straddling the border between Béarn and Gascony. The vineyard extends over around 300 hectares, alongside the Madiran appellation, sharing the same hilly relief and temperate oceanic climate, marked by the influence of the Pyrenees.

The terroir of Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh is mainly composed of clay-limestone soils, which offer ideal conditions for local white grape varieties. Generous sunshine, combined with morning mists and the foehn effect of the Pyrenees, allows the grapes to ripen slowly, favoring the concentration of sugars and aromas.

A special feature of the appellation lies in the late harvest, which enables overripe grapes to be picked for sweet wines. The latter, often made from botrytized grapes (affected by noble rot), are distinguished by their intense aromas of candied fruit, honey and spices. In the case of dry wines, early harvesting preserves their freshness and remarkable liveliness.

This terroir is the ideal setting for the production of dry wines.

This exceptional terroir, combined with viticultural practices that often respect the environment, gives Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh wines their unique character, both aromatic and balanced.

The Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh PDO wines are made from local grape varieties that reflect all the richness and diversity of the South-West's winegrowing heritage. The main authorized grape varieties are:

- Petit Manseng: An emblematic grape variety of the appellation, it is particularly used for sweet wines. Petit Manseng produces rich, aromatic wines, with notes of exotic fruit, candied apricot and honey. It is also renowned for its natural acidity, which perfectly balances sugars.

- Gros Manseng: More productive than Petit Manseng, it is often used for the appellation's dry wines. It brings aromas of yellow fruits, such as peach and pear, as well as a beautiful freshness.

- Petit Courbueng : More productive, it is often used for the appellation's dry wines.

- Petit Courbu: This variety brings finesse and a silky texture to the wines. There are floral notes and a lovely roundness.

- Arrufiac: This grape variety brings finesse and a silky texture to wines.

- Arrufiac: Rarer, this grape contributes to the aromatic complexity of blends, with subtle aromas of white flowers and citrus.

These grape varieties, often hand-harvested to guarantee optimum quality, produce organic Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh wines of great diversity, combining aromatic richness and balance on the palate.

Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh PDO is known for its two distinct styles of white wine: dry and sweet, each with its own characteristics and gastronomic pairings.

Dry wines

Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh dry white wines are lively, fresh and elegant. They are characterized by aromas of white-fleshed fruit, flowers and a beautiful minerality. On the palate, they offer good tension and balanced acidity, with a slightly saline finish. These wines are perfect with seafood, grilled fish or vegetable dishes. They also pair well with cheeses such as goat's or ewe's.

Sweet wines

The appellation's mellow wines are made from late harvests, sometimes carried out as late as December. This method concentrates sugars and aromas in the grapes. These wines offer complex notes of candied fruit, honey, dried flowers and sweet spices. On the palate, the balance between sweetness and acidity produces generous, harmonious wines. Mellow Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh wines go wonderfully with foie gras, fruity desserts or fruit tarts.

These two styles make Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh wines an ideal choice for every occasion, from aperitif to dessert.

Discover organic Pacherencs from domaine Labranche-Laffont and those from domaine de Laougué.