Loupiac sits on the right bank of the Garonne, directly across the river from the famous Sauternes and Barsac appellations, benefiting from the same morning river mist that encourages botrytis cinerea, or "noble rot," to develop on the grapes. This natural fungus concentrates sugar and flavor by drawing moisture out of the fruit, the same phenomenon responsible for Sauternes' fame, just at Loupiac's more accessible price point.
This 2023 bottle carries the Loupiac appellation, made predominantly from Sémillon, the grape most prized here for its richness, roundness, and silky texture, harvested in multiple passes through the vineyard to select only botrytis-affected berries at peak concentration. Expect classic Loupiac character: a golden hue, aromas of honeyed apricot and citrus, and flavors of orange marmalade, dried stone fruit, and a touch of ginger, balanced by the natural acidity that keeps Sémillon-based dessert wines from tasting cloying.
The result is a lush, botrytized dessert wine offering much of what Sauternes is famous for, at a genuine value from one of Bordeaux's most underrated sweet wine appellations.