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Rated “Outstanding” 5 star producer (one of only 4 producers in the south-west) in Robert Parkers Wine Buyers Guide #7

Thierry Despres is the very jovial owner / wine-maker of Grande Maison. The sweet Monbazillac’s are Thierry’s pride and joy, although his dry whites and reds from the Bergerac appellation are equally outstanding. Since arriving at Grande Maison, a 13th century building, he has completely renovated both the vineyards and the buildings.

The Monbazillac wines are made from grapes grown on very low yielding vines. Individual botrytis affected grapes are hand selected from up to 7 picking runs through the vineyards. Thierry has also built a dam amongst the vineyards to help induce the attack of botrytis. There are 3 different cuvees of Monbazillac produced.

“The wines are splendidly concentrated, very clean and pure. Thierry Despres is a fanatic, as well as an individualist, but he makes very good wines” Clive Coates – The wines and Domaines of France