Domaine Sergent Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh Sec is a mouthful in more ways than one! This is essentially Madiran Blanc made from equal parts Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng. It’s fermented in barrel and aged on its lees for six months to produce a full bodied, ripe and exotic wine which is packed with lime, tropical fruit and lovely spice. It is dry and has lovely weight along with a rich structure.

Domaine Sergent is a 21-hectare estate based in the town of Maumusson in the heart of the Madiran appellation in South-west France. The Domaine is run by sisters Brigitte and Corinne Dousseau who have done much to improve the wines since they took over from Gilbert, their father, in 1995. The vines, which average 35 years of age and are currently being converted to organic, are spread over a gentle south facing slope which faces the Pyrenees. The area’s reds used to be characterised by harsh tannins, but the sisters have managed to tame the Tannat grape which must constitute 40% of the blend and produce reds that are approachable, modern, elegant and most importantly super tasty. The sisters produce a style of wine which retains its rustic country French roots but is fully fit for modern tastes.

There is no appellation for Madiran white so the French wine police came up with the catchy Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh AOC which can be either Sec (dry) or Doux (sweet) and is traditionally a blend of Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng.