!# Sweet Wines On Sale!: October 2011

!: Monbazillac - Top 5 Sweet Wines From the Dordogne

Monbazillac is produced in the Dordogne area of southwest France. At its best it can be a match for the seriously expensive and often overpriced Sauternes of the Bordeaux wine appellation immediately next door geographically.

Monbazillac is typically luscious and, as it ages, it develops lovely rounded honeyed flavors. It is often served with locally made fois gras (literally translated as fat liver) for which the Dordogne is famous. If you do not like or object to eating fois gras on ethical grounds, the wine can be matched with a range of desserts and even cheese, such as blue salty Roquefort; the sweetness of the wine off-setting and complementing the saltiness of the cheese.

Since leaving the UK some years ago I have lived in southwest France near Bordeaux, and have taken many a local drive out into the Dordogne with local wine experts to enjoy these wines.

Chateau Monbazillac - The daddy of the region producing some excellent wines. The Chateau itself is fantastic and well worth a visit, and guided tours are available. An opulent wine that really delivers on flavor and one of the best wines of the Monbazillac region in my opinion.

Chateau Pech la Calevie - This is my all time favorite in terms of value for money versus quality. I am drinking the 2005 at the moment although I have stocks of 2006. I have enjoyed this wine at our local Chateau with Roquefort in the cheese course, followed by crepes suzettes.

Chateau Les Sablines - This wine is a bargain. It is perhaps not as complex as some of the other wines listed, however at around EUR5 (under per bottle) for a 50cl bottle you really can't go wrong.

Chateau Septy - A fantastic wine honeyed with overtones of tropical fruit. The 2006 I am drinking at the moment is fantastic, and it is not stupidly expensive. Although I have not tried the combination, I think it would be lovely with citrus based tarts and desserts.

Chateau le Thibaut - This lovely example of sweet dessert wine is golden and has aromas of peach and pear. It is best served with not too sweet desserts as it is fresher on the palate in comparison to some of the heavier wines of the region.