Belingard Monbazillac 07 dessert wine (6/6)

The wines of Monbazillac were brought to fame by Dutch traders who not only found religious ties with the Protestant communities of the area, but also a reliable supply of sweet wines at better prices than anywhere else. Unlike Sauternes, there are no intersecting rivers to create the freak set of conditions that favours the development of botrytis. Instead Monbazillac is blessed with a micro-climate conducive to morning fogs and warm autumnal sunshine. Chateau Belingard is located in the village of Pomport, just south of Bergerac, sitting on the limestone plateau that dominates the valley of the Dordogne. This excellent Sauternes styled sweet white is produced from a blend of 90% Semillon, 5% Sauvignon and 5% Muscadelle harvested manually over several selective ‘tries’, or passes whereby only botrytis effected grapes are selected. Bright straw colour with pale gold edges and pale straw hue. The nose displays strong botrytis lift with aromas of honeyed apricots, peach, spice and tropical fruits. Rich, luscious, mouthfilling palate flavours of honey, apricots, tropical fruits and spice. An almost creamy like texture is combined with a perfect acid balance that keeps the wine fresh.Clean, dry finish, with long aftertaste of honey, apricots and spice. The Vineyards are situated on hillsides south of Bergerac in one of the most prestigious towns of the Monbazillac appellation, at altitude of 170 metres, on clayey limestone and the calcareous subsoil of Castillon. Chateau Belingard is made from a blend of Sémillon (90%), Sauvignon (5%) and Muscadelle (5%). Winemaking Process Over-matured grapes concentrated by the Noble Rot (the Botrytis Cinerea fungus) are picked, in October to the beginning of November. The grapes are pressed gradually so as to enable the extraction of the best wine drained from the vat. The must is then fermented at a controlled temperature of approximately 20°C. When the alcohol-residual sugar balance has been reached, fermentation is stopped by cold sulphating to master the sulphur content. After six months in a vat for clarification, the wine is run off into oak 225-litre barrels. After being kept in wood for a period of 12 to 18 months, the wine takes on its fullness, with the aromas thus revealed. A gentle fining process is carried out just before bottling. Preservation 8 to 10 years. Tasting At a temperature of 7-8°C, it is ideal as an aperitif in winter before the fire, with foie gras, white meats, blue cheese (Roquefort) and desserts with red fruits. Features It has a full nose with a blend of honey, wax, candied fruits and aromas that are characteristic of botrytis. The wine is powerful, while maintaining a touch of acidity for a light effect and a superb compromise between fat and finesse. Vintage: 2006/07 Colour: White Dessert Variety: Semillon Producer: Chateau Belingard Origin: Bordeaux, France Style: Dessert Wines When to Drink: Wines to Drink Now Bottle Size: 75cl Bin Number: 465