Château Tirecul

Monbazillac, situated just south of Bergerac, has always been a reliable source of Sauternes-style wines that sell at significantly lower prices than their Bordeaux counterparts. However, in recent years the wines have entered new realms of quality and this is largely due to one Domaine.

Tirecul-la Gravière had always produced impressive wines but, since Bruno Bilancini took over in 1992, the 10 hectare domaine has been producing wines that rival the very best Sauternes. He makes only sweet wines from a blend of Muscadelle and Sémillon. Yields are shockingly low - around 11hl/ha which is only slightly higher than Château d`Yquem The grapes are hand harvested in several tris and are then fermented and matured in oak barrels.

Two cuvées are produced, with the Cuveé Madame being a selection of the very best barrels.