Monbazillac
Monbazillac is a wine region (or appellation) where sweet wines are made.
The region can be found in the larger wine region of Bergerac, in southern France. The wines are called noble sweet because they are made of wine grapes that are affected by a fungus called Botrytis. The wines are very similar to Sauternes but are much cheaper.
Grapes
The first grape is definitely the Semillon. This provides the basis of the wine. In addition, the wine is often supplemented with Muscadelle and Sauvignon Blanc. The grape combination provides wines with a rich, full and complex taste. In general, the wines are round, balanced and have an intense finish that lingers for a long time.
Soil and climate
The vineyards are located around the town of Monbazillac on the southern side of the Dordogne river that flows towards Bordeaux. The best wines are made in the northern part of the region. The bottom consists for the most part of slate with deep clay layers underneath. The clay retains sufficient water for the growth of the grapes. The maritime climate in Monbazillac is well suited for the development of sweet wines. The water present ensures high humidity. In combination with the sun, these are ideal conditions for noble rotting. In the north of Monbazillac, the humidity stays high for longer during the day so that the conditions there are the best.
Reputation
The reputation of the sweet wine from Monbazillac is strongly determined by the comparison with Sauternes (72 km southwest). It is true that there are similarities, but the wines also have their own character. When the wines are young, we often have aromas of honey, apricots and figs. When they get older, they often get aromas of cream and nuts. The wine is delicious as an aperitif with a full pate but can also be combined well with meat and poultry. A combination with melon, fresh strawberries or fruit salad, or with nice cakes. Monbazillac can also be very beautiful in combination with blue cheeses or walnuts in autumn or winter.