Chateau Des Eyssards.

Made from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon matured `sur lie`, this dry white Bergerac white wine is full and fruity. It retains a crisp, zingy acidity with hints of pineapple and gooseberry and fantastic weight on the palate.

Country

France

Region

South West France

Grapes

Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon

Vintage

2018

ABV

13

Code

10603

Style

White

Pascal Cuisset cuts a prominent figure in the vineyards close to Le Monastier in Bergerac. He is a chest-out, broad-shouldered, hulk of a man and if you’re lucky enough to meet him we’d advise caution when reaches out to shake your hand.

He is the textbook gentle giant though and his three passions are winemaking, the tuba and rugby. His relaxed manner belies the passion he has for his Bergerac appellation which he feels has untapped potential great wines to be produced. It was traditionally seen as the ugly sister to Bordeaux’s Cinderella and being a neighbour of the world’s most powerful wine region has not made things easy for Bergerac winemakers.

But this is precisely why we looked for great winemakers like Pascal here. The fact is that wines can be produced that are the equal of most in Bordeaux (and better than many that are just happy to trade on Bordeaux’s prestige) at a fraction of the cost.

Pascal’s creations epitomise this. As the leader of and tuba player with the local brass band you would expect his wines to be exuberant and they certainly don’t disappoint. His reds in particular are vivid expressions of Merlot and Cabernet Franc with aromas that jump from the glass. His whites, meanwhile, are wonderfully expressive blends of Sauvignon Blanc in the Bordeaux style.