Growing and thriving in Bergerac: Château Bélingard

La Douce France is a country to dream away, beautiful landscapes, lovely cities, sun, sea and beaches, great weather, castles throughout the country and wine. From north to south from east to west, wine is everywhere. So too in Bergerac, better known to most Dutch people as the Dordogne, a favourite destination for many. And there sits a Winery belonging to a real count, housed in a monumental building with wines that have long been available in the Netherlands. Winelife takes a look at Château Bélingard. - TEXT CHARLOTTE VAN ZUMMEREN

Growing and thriving in Bergerac

Château Bélingard is one of Bergerac's most welcoming wineries. Owner Laurent, Comte de Bosredon, a real, always smiling count with a cheerful curly head, and his very funny wife Sylvie always give the many guests who visit the winery every year a warm welcome. And after an educational walk around the estate with all its historical artefacts and chais, guests can taste the chateau's wines in the tasting room.

Those who are really lucky will stay for dinner with the couple afterwards. Sylvie prefers to outsource this to a catering company, so that she can chat with the guests and not have to be in the kitchen all the time. Oysters with sausages - a typical dish of the region - and canard then appear at the table. In Bergerac, they love duck. With this, wines from Château Bélingard are poured generously. Santé!

THOSE WHO ARE REALLY LUCKY WILL STAY FOR DINNER WITH THE COUPLE AFTERWARDS

Wine

Château Bélingard is located just outside Pomport, in the heart of Monbazillac, the region best known for the dessert wine of the same name. The chateau sits on a hill, and from that hill you have views of the rolling vineyards around it. There is a soothing sensation from looking around there. The chateau is located on the left bank of the valley.

The vineyards have been under the Monbazillac and Bergerac appellations since the late 1930s. The vines have adapted perfectly to the temperate climate at 45 degrees north latitude and thrive on clay-limestone and clay-gravel soils. White wines are made from the grape varieties sauvignon, sémillon and muscadelle, while in reds merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and malbec predominate.

Laurent de Bosredon continues the tried-and-tested traditions and innovates with state-of-the-art techniques. His wines are beautifully balanced, round, fresh and robust, the great, classic French wines at their very best. That feeling of always being welcome, the magnificent views over the vineyards of Monbazillac and Bergerac, AND the wines make a visit to Château Bélingard memorable.

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