Description
Monbazillac is a South-Western French appellation designated by a village on the left bank of the Dordogne. This terroir influences production via limestone-based soil variations and high levels of humidity, usually in the form of mists, burning off in the growing season to facilitate the development of noble rot. This appellation produces sweet, white, often fully-botrytized wines, hand-picked since 1993 with stringent regulations (though not as strict as the nearby Sauternes), technical rules, and relatively higher yields.
Monbazillac vineyards can be traced back to the 11th century, and the area received AOC status in the 1930s. Diminished quality over the years led to the banning of mechanical harvest in 1993, and producers of the area now boast the same harvesting techniques as the prestigious Sauternes. Although not as renowned as neighboring designations, recent efforts of the estate have been widely revered for their extremely intense, rich, full-flavor wines, with sweet, creamy, nutty, and fruity characteristics.
Wine notes by staff writer Sabina Sanchez, February 2024