Bergerac and its essentials: the Top 8!
Bergerac and its essentials: the Top 8!
6,7 km - Bergerac
Family Time
- English
CHÂTEAU TERRE VIEILLE, PÉCHARMANT, IN SAINT-SAUVEUR: BETWEEN HISTORY AND TASTING
Architecture and landscapes
Pierre and Fleur welcome visitors to the heart of the Château Terre Vieille vineyard in a warm atmosphere steeped in the region's history and prehistoric terroir. Established on the estate since 1989, Gérôme and Dolores have meticulously restored the 17th and 18th-century buildings, once owned by the philosopher Maine de Biran under the name Domaine de Grateloup.
The three original buildings, including the dovecote offering breathtaking views of the valley, have retained their authentic architecture. Gérôme Morand-Monteil, with passion and respect for their heritage, has renovated them while preserving their Périgord character. Openings have been added, such as the so-called "shell" windows, demonstrating local expertise and regional materials.
Under the porch of the tasting room, notice the framework made with the estate's oaks, the piles of stone extracted from a Périgord quarry, and the flat tile roof, respecting the local architectural tradition.
The tasting takes place in a unique atmosphere. The room contains an exceptional collection of flints, testifying to 20,000 to 300,000 years of history, discovered during the plowing of the soil for planting vines. These unique pieces give Terre Vieille wines an extraordinary minerality.
Favorite original initiatives & innovation
Château Terre Vieille stands out for its unique initiatives. Open year-round for walk-in tastings from Monday to Saturday, and on Sundays without appointment, the estate also offers unique experiences between May and September.
- Wine and Food Pairing Tasting: In the former pig sheds, discover a tasting pairing three wines with local delicacies. A taste journey narrated by a family member, subtly combining Divin, Chevalier AOC Pécharmant, and Château Terre Vieille 2018.
- Tapas & Pintxos Corner: After tasting, enjoy 100% local tapas. Choose your spot in the park, dotted with tables and chairs, and enjoy an assortment of Périgord products.
- "Taste the Terroir" Picnic: Reservations required for groups of 6 to 25 people. Enjoy a unique experience with an in-depth tasting and a picnic featuring local produce. Enjoy this peaceful moment surrounded by vineyards.
The family wine estate
Founded in 1989 by Gérôme and Dolores Morand-Monteil, Château Terre Vieille mainly produces wines in the Pécharmant appellation.
The Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec grape varieties give their wines remarkable roundness and character, making them excellent wines for aging.
Formerly the Grateloup estate of the philosopher Maine de Biran, the castle combines history and prehistory.
The tasting room displays a unique collection of flints discovered during the plowing of the soil, reinforcing the deep link between the terroir and the wines of Château Terre Vieille.
The original buildings, witnesses of Périgord architecture, have been carefully restored by Gérôme Morand-Monteil.
Under the porch of the tasting room, the discerning eye can appreciate the roof structure fashioned from the estate's oak trees. The two imposing stone piers come from a Périgord quarry, ensuring a perfect integration into the landscape. The flat-tiled roof, respecting the characteristic slope of Périgord roofs, blends harmoniously into the surroundings.
Tasting, history, and landscapes
The tasting experience at Château Terre Vieille goes beyond exceptional wines.
The tasting room tells the story through a unique flint collection. Tools and objects dating back 20,000 to 300,000 years, discovered during the tilling of the soil, reveal a captivating prehistory. These finds give the wines an extraordinary minerality, fusing the prehistoric terroir and iconic grape varieties.
Gérôme Morand-Monteil has preserved the building's authenticity while adding subtle touches of improvement. Openings have brightened the wide roof of the former stable, while elegant dormer windows have enhanced the roof of the tenant farmers' house, now home to the offices.
Visitors are invited to enjoy the park, dotted with tables and chairs, a peaceful place where they can contemplate the history etched in the stone of the buildings and the evolution of the vineyard over the years. The food and wine pairing tastings under the cabanons offer a sensory experience, pairing Château Terre Vieille wines with quality local products.
On your way back, be sure to pick up your wine order at the shop. The flint and stone cladding, discovered on site, is striking for its originality and harmonious integration into the landscape.
Conclusions and perspectives
In conclusion, Château Terre Vieille in Saint-Sauveur is much more than a winery. It's a journey through history and terroir, a place where Périgord architecture blends with innovative initiatives and exceptional wines.
The Morand-Monteil family, with their dedication to heritage preservation, has created an experience that goes beyond simple wine tasting. Each visitor is invited to immerse themselves in history, from captivating prehistory to the meticulous preservation of the original buildings.
With unique initiatives such as food and wine pairing tastings, 100% local tapas, and "Taste the Terroir" picnics, Château Terre Vieille offers a comprehensive and immersive experience. The combination of architectural heritage, terroir history, and a passion for wine creates a unique experience, captivating the senses and leaving visitors with lasting memories.
At Château Terre Vieille, you'll discover not only exceptional wines but also a living tribute to the history, prehistory, and traditions of the Périgord region. A place where past and present merge to offer an unforgettable experience for wine lovers and those curious about authentic discoveries.
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