Monbazillac French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil

Geographic position

Southwestern France, in the Dordogne department, on the left bank of the Dordogne river just south of Bergerac, on north-facing slopes overlooking the river, around the Château de Monbazillac.

Origin & history

Vines were planted here by monks in the 11th century, and in the 16th century Dutch merchants made Monbazillac famous across northern Europe. The Renaissance Château de Monbazillac, built around 1550, still dominates the vineyard. Monbazillac became one of France's first AOCs in 1936.

Wines & grape varieties

Sweet white wine only, mainly from Sémillon with Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris and Muscadelle, harvested by successive hand pickings of grapes affected by noble rot (botrytis). Expect apricot, honey, candied orange, quince and toasted almond.

Climate & soil

Temperate oceanic climate; autumn morning mists from the Dordogne and its small tributary the Gardonnette encourage noble rot. Clay-limestone and silty soils on north-facing slopes.