Wines Monbazillac Château Monbazillac - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Château Monbazillac 2019 is a sweet white wine from the renowned Monbazillac AOC, situated within the Bergerac and Duras subregion of the South-West of France. Crafted primarily from a blend of Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes, this wine owes its distinct character to the presence of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), which concentrates the sugars and brings a luxurious complexity to the finished wine. The 2019 vintage benefited from favourable climatic conditions, enabling the grapes to slowly shrivel and develop high levels of sweetness balanced by refreshing acidity. The vinification process typically involves careful hand-picking of botrytised berries over several passes, with fermentation and ageing often taking place in stainless steel or oak barrels to preserve and enhance the aromatic profile.

The Monbazillac region is defined by its gentle hills overlooking the Dordogne river, with a mosaic of clay-limestone soils that provide excellent drainage and contribute to the wine’s elegance and minerality. The microclimate here is particularly suited to the development of noble rot, thanks to regular morning mists followed by sunny, warm afternoons. Historically, Monbazillac has been celebrated since the 16th century for its luscious, golden sweet wines, which have drawn comparison to Sauternes while maintaining a unique regional identity.

Pairing Château Monbazillac 2019 with food is a pleasure due to its rich, honeyed palate and vibrant acidity. It excels with foie gras, both as a simple terrine or in more refined preparations such as escalope with apples. Regional blue cheeses like Roquefort find a perfect counterpoint in this wine’s sweetness. For dessert, opt for classic tarte Tatin or poached pears in vanilla syrup to highlight its stone fruit and citrus notes. It can also provide a surprising and delightful contrast to spicy dishes, such as Moroccan chicken tagine with dried fruits.

To fully appreciate its aromatic intensity and complexity, serve Château Monbazillac 2019 well-chilled, ideally between 8-10°C. Take the time to let the wine open up in the glass, allowing notes of apricot, honeycomb, candied orange peel, and subtle floral traces to emerge. This wine holds excellent ageing potential but is already a delightful indulgence for your cellar today.