Monbazillac is no doubt the most famous wine of the Dordogne region. It is also the oldest, perched on the south side of the Dordogne Valley. The soil, at an altitude of 50 and 180 metres, is mainly limestone-clay. The Monbazillac region enjoys an unusual temperate climate. In autumn a remarkable weather phenomenon takes place – due to a combination of the early morning mists and the warm afternoons. The humidity, during this warm period, favours the production of a microscopic fungus called “Botrytis Cinerea”. The natural concentration of flavour, due to the development of noble rot provoked by the Botrytis Cinerea is what lends this remarkable dessert wine its intense flavour. Anthony Castaing is the proprietor at Domaine Grange Neuve and he and his family exercise much skill and patience in harvesting by hand only to select the best grapes at harvest. Anthony uses the classic Monbazillac proportions of 80% Semillon, 10% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Muscadelle which produces his signature nectar which can withstand bottle aging of up to 20 years in some cases for his prized Fut des Chenes.