Bergerac: The red wines of Bergerac, an appellation just to the east of the town of Bergerac, share many of the characteristics of Bordeaux red wines without the lofty prices. This AOC is less than 30 miles from St. Emilion following the same hill on the right side of the Dordogne River where the soil's high iron content contributes to the rich structure, flavor and longevity of the wines. The Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc vineyards of Chateau Haut Sarthes produce grapes that are very similar to that of St. Emilion.  Foremost, this is a Merlot dominated wine boasting luscious fruitiness and structure. Its wines are ideal accompaniments to the traditional Perigord cuisine. Very appealing!

Cepages: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon.

 About the Producer:   Daniel Hecquet has long been an award winning vigneron of this region. For a number of years, Daniel, an oenologist who participated in an internship as a winemaker at Chateau d'Yquem, has been focussed on producing the optimum wine possible from his family's vineyards.  The Hecquets are passionate about their wine. The grapes are sorted, and treated to traditional methods of vinification. To obtain complexity and deeper structure with nice and ripe tannin, Hecquet’s family choose long time ago to grow vines with high density of feet by ha: 5000 to 7000 feet like in St Emilion Grand Cru.While young, this wine is fruity and pleasant; it will age well and begins to display its best qualities after about two years.

Tasting Notes:  An opulent, intense red with aromas of ripe raspberries and strawberries with floral accents combine harmoniously to exhibit a well-balanced fresh fruited flavor with hints of herbs and earth completed by round tannins.

Recommended Food Pairings: Red meats, grilled or roasted, including Salmon, and cheeses.