Introduction
It's time to lift the veil on a true jewel of French viticulture: Chignin-Bergeron. This white wine from Savoie , sometimes underestimated, is nevertheless the sublime expression of a rich and diverse terroir. Made from the Roussanne grape variety, grown in the village of Chignin, Chignin-Bergeron is much more than just a wine. It's a true invitation to travel, a passport to sensory and gustatory discovery.
This wine, so appreciated by connoisseurs, is distinguished by its finesse, complexity, and elegance. Its delicately fruity notes, balanced by a distinct minerality, are a testament to the talent of Savoie winemakers and their perfect mastery of the Roussanne grape variety.
In this article, we will explore the world of Chignin-Bergeron , a wine which, despite its low profile on the international wine scene, remains a must-have for lovers of characterful white wines. We will introduce you to the Bergerons from our wine estate, whose vintages reflect the richness and diversity of Savoie's soils.
1) The origin of Chignin-Bergeron
So, whether you're a novice or a seasoned connoisseur, let yourself be guided on this journey to the heart of the Savoyard vineyards and discover the exceptional potential of Chignin-Bergeron. The experience promises to be as enriching as it is exhilarating. Prepare your taste buds; the exploration begins now.
To understand the essence of Chignin-Bergeron, we must first dwell on its roots, those of a particular terroir and a unique grape variety. Chignin, a small Savoyard village located on a hillside, is the birthplace of this exceptional white wine. Its name is that of the grape variety that gives it its distinctive character: Roussanne, or rather Bergeron, as it is known in the region.
Chignin -Bergeron is the result of a harmonious symbiosis between soil, climate and grape variety . Roussanne, planted on the steep slopes of Chignin, thrives in a mainly limestone soil. This land, both austere and generous, forges the character of Bergeron, giving it a distinct minerality from one scree to another.
2) The Roussanne grape variety: a treasure of viticulture
Roussanne is at the heart of Chignin-Bergeron's personality. Although renowned for its difficulty in growing, Savoie winemakers cherish it for the exceptional wines it produces.
Roussanne takes its name from the reddish-brown color of its ripe berries. This appellation already heralds the complexity of this grape variety, which produces wines with a golden color, fragrant and sophisticated. The aromas of Roussanne are complex and subtle: a bouquet of white flowers, stone fruits, combined with notes of honey, pear and peach. The minerality on the palate with subtle bitterness, sometimes smoky or petrol notes, are the foundation of the best Chignin-Bergeron wines.
3) The Nuggets of the Domaine Denis and Didier Berthollier
The Denis and Didier Berthollier estate, located in the heart of Savoie, is renowned for the complexity of its Chignin-Bergeron wines.
Let’s visit three of their vintages: “Les Salins”, “St Anthelme”, and “Exception”.
3.1) Chignin Bergeron "Les Salins"
Located on the "Les Salins" plot, this Chignin-Bergeron is harvested by hand between September 10 and 25. It is known for its great finesse and notes of candied fruit, enhanced by a persistent minerality and smoky notes on the finish. This wine is the essence of a beautiful harmony between its limestone soil, enriched by remarkable flora, and the mountain climate protected by the cliffs of the Savoyarde.
Vinification, this wine benefits from fermentation by indigenous yeasts, without the addition of sulfur, and aging for 12 months, in barrels, vats and ceramic amphora.
It goes perfectly with fish in sauce, white meats, or soft or blue cheeses.
3.2) Chignin Bergeron “St Anthelme”
The Chignin Bergeron "St Anthelme" offers a straw-yellow color and a powerful nose combining honeyed and exotic notes, enhanced by hints of undergrowth. It comes from the "La Perette" plot, planted on clay-limestone soil, which, thanks to its south-facing exposure, produces delicious and ripe grapes. This wine is full-bodied without being heavy, with a refreshing exotic finish, which makes it the perfect accompaniment to cooked white meats and fish, smoked fish, foie gras, or goat or sheep cheese.
The vinification is similar to that of the "Les Salins" vintage, with a higher proportion of barrel and demi-muid aging (80%) over 12 months, then extended blending of 6 months in vats.
3.3) Chignin Bergeron “Exception”
Finally, the Chignin Bergeron "Exception" is a blend of four different terroirs, resulting in a wine with notes of dried apricot, honey, white peach, and exotic fruits. The full and powerful palate is supported by a beautiful minerality. It is ideal with an aperitif, raw or smoked fish, white meats in sauce, cheese tarts, or goat cheese.
This wine is aged for a year, with 80% in vats and 20% in barrels and demi-muids. Each plot is aged separately, then blended.
These three wines will be certified Organic by Ecocert from the 2023 vintage, and will finalize the commitment of our Denis and Didier Berthollier estate to environmentally friendly agriculture.
4) The Characteristics of Chignin-Bergeron
Chignin-Bergeron is a wine that seduces with its complexity and finesse. It is distinguished by its aromatic profile, marked by notes of white fruits, such as peach and pear, combined with hints of white flowers, almonds, and honey. Its bright golden color offers a beautiful introduction to the tasting, heralding a wine of character, elegant, and full of freshness.
What makes Chignin-Bergeron so special is its perfect balance between the aromatic richness provided by the Roussanne grape variety and a sustained acidity, which gives it liveliness and length on the palate. This combination allows the wine to present a harmonious structure, capable of improving over time. With an aging potential of several years, Chignin-Bergeron becomes more complex over time, gaining in depth and finesse.
5) Chignin-Bergeron and the Food and Wine pairing
Chignin-Bergeron is a particularly versatile wine when it comes to food pairing. Its rich aromatic palette, freshness, and structure allow it to enhance a wide range of dishes.
It pairs wonderfully with grilled or sauced fish, where its acidity counterbalances the richness of these dishes while highlighting their salty flavors. It is also a great accompaniment to soft or blue cheeses, where its freshness and fruity, floral aromas provide a nice balance with the strength of these cheeses.
But Chignin-Bergeron also knows how to surprise. It can enhance sweet and savory dishes, such as pan-fried foie gras with candied fruit, where its aromatic richness and acidity harmoniously complement the sweetness and deliciousness of the dish.
In short, Chignin-Bergeron is a wine for sharing, adapting to all occasions and all tables. It is just waiting to be discovered and appreciated.
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Frequently asked questions about Chignin-Bergeron
1) What is Chignin-Bergeron?
Chignin-Bergeron is a white wine from Savoie, made from the Roussanne grape variety. It takes its name from the village of Chignin, where it is produced, and from the local nickname for Roussanne, "Bergeron." It is a wine renowned for its aromatic complexity and finesse.
2) What are the characteristic aromas of Chignin-Bergeron?
Chignin-Bergeron is distinguished by its aromas of white fruits, such as peach and pear, as well as delicate floral notes. There are also hints of almond and honey, which add an extra dimension to its aromatic palette.
3) What dishes can be accompanied by Chignin-Bergeron?
Chignin-Bergeron pairs wonderfully with seafood, grilled fish, or fish in sauce. It also pairs well with soft or blue cheeses. It can also be a pleasant surprise when paired with sweet and savory dishes, such as pan-fried foie gras with candied fruit.
4) How long can you keep a bottle of Chignin-Bergeron?
Chignin-Bergeron has interesting aging potential. Depending on the vintage, it can be kept for 3 to 10 years, or even longer in some cases. Aging allows the wine to become more complex and develop new aromatic nuances over time.
5) What are the characteristics of the Chignin-Bergeron terroir?
The Chignin-Bergeron terroir is located in the heart of the French Alps. The vines are planted on south-facing slopes, thus benefiting from optimal sunshine. The soils are composed of white limestone and have a beautiful minerality, which is reflected in the wine.
6) Is our Chignin-Bergeron certified organic?
Yes, starting with the 2023 vintage, the Chignin-Bergeron from the Denis and Didier Berthollier estate will be certified organic by Ecocert. The vines are cultivated using organic farming methods combined with certain biodynamic methods.
7) At what temperature should Chignin-Bergeron be served?
Chignin-Bergeron is generally served chilled, between 12 and 13°C. This temperature allows its aromas and freshness to be brought out while preserving its balance.