Château Bellingard Monbazillac AOC

Bergerac AOC, France

Monbazillac is France's greatest botrytised wine outside Sauternes — produced from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle affected by noble rot on the south-facing hills opposite the Dordogne. Château Bellingard's Monbazillac opens with aromas of apricot preserve, orange marmalade, saffron, and beeswax — the hallmarks of mature noble rot. The palate is luscious with balancing acidity and a long, honeyed finish.

Pairing intelligence

• starter: Monbazillac with foie gras is Périgord's defining luxury pairing — more affordable than Sauternes, equally compelling, with the terroir connection of the Dordogne valley
• cheese: The salt-sweet-fat balance of Roquefort with Monbazillac's luscious sweetness creates the classic French dessert cheese experience — one of the great regional French cheese-wine pairings