Bergerac's wines were already prized by Dutch connoisseurs in the Middle Ages. An extension of the Bordeaux wine producing area, on the Périgord side, with the same range of grape varieties, Bergerac constitutes a mosaic of terroirs almost as diverse as those of its mighty neighbour in the Gironde. The vines are planted on clay-limestone and limestone soil, mixed with Périgord sand on the left bank of the Dordogne; on the right bank, the soil is predominantly sandy with some gravel. The undulating hills of the beautiful Périgord landscape, and a temperate climate combined with generous sunshine, give Bergerac all the characteristics of a great wine-producing region. Vinification methods are constantly progressing. Ageing in new oak barrels has been developed and gives the wines delicate notes of vanilla. Bergerac has long been known for its sweet wines. Produced since the 1950s, the dry white wines are pleasant and very aromatic, with a lively persistence on the palate. These wines should be drunk young and usually represent excellent value for money.