2008 Bergeron

Production Notes

Bergeron is the local name for the Roussanne grape in the Savoie region of France. In the Savoie, nestled in the foothills of the French Alps, Bergeron produces wines very different from the Southern Rhône’s Roussannes: lighter-bodied, with more minerality and brighter, lemony acids. At Tablas Creek, we select Roussanne for our Bergeron bottling from the vineyard's coldest sections of Roussanne vines, pick them earlier while they still have high acids and lower sugars, and ferment them in traditional Savoie style in neutral wood.

The Roussanne grapes used in our Bergeron were grown on our 120-acre certified organic estate vineyard.

The 2008 vintage was our second consecutive drought year, with yields further reduced by spring frosts. Berries and clusters were small, leading to excellent concentration. Ripening over the summer was gradual and harvest about a week later than normal. Crop sizes were similar to 2007 and about 20% lower than usual. The low yields and gradual ripening resulted in wines with good intensity, lower than normal alcohols and an appealing gentle minerality. We picked the Roussanne for our Bergeron in one day on September 30th; the Roussanne for our traditional bottlings was harvested throughout October.

The Roussanne grapes were whole cluster pressed, and fermented using native yeasts in neutral barrels in the traditional Savoie style. The wine was bottled in May 2009.

Tasting Notes

The 2008 Bergeron shows a spicy nose of rocks, rose petals and maraschino cherry. In the mouth, the wine is refined, with high-toned honey and caramel notes, savory herbs (fennel and saffron), and an appealing richness that turns brighter on the long finish, with lingering lemony acidity. Drink now or for the next five years.

Reviews

Tanzer’s IWC (Nov. 2009)

[...more recent Tablas Creek press]

Recipe Suggestions

[...more recipes]

Food Pairings

  • Nearly any fresh seafood
  • Oysters on the half shell
  • Aioli or Pestos
  • Linguine with clam sauce
  • Shellfish stews
Bergeron

Not Available for Purchase

Blend

  • 100% Roussanne

Technical Notes

  • 12.8% Alcohol by Volume
  • 450 Cases Produced

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