White Bordeaux: What Do You Know? A Refreshing Option This Summer/Fall

Premier Regions and Recommendations

Aug 27, 2024

One of my favorite trips last year ended in the Pessac Léognan region of Bordeaux, France. It was there that I interviewed an extremely well-known winery owner/Bordeaux and vintner/leader: Olivier Bernard of Domaine de Chevalier. See “Domaine de Chevalier: An Interview with Olivier Bernard.” August 2023. A recent article in Wine Enthusiast: “Get to Know White Bordeaux” listed Domaine de Chevalier, 2021 as one of the best White Bordeaux wines, and garnered a 98-99 point James Suckling rating. What is a White Bordeaux? What makes it a refreshing change this summer?

What is a White Bordeaux?

White Bordeaux is a refreshing blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle grapes sometimes with Sauvignon Gris (a clonal mutation of Sauvignon Blanc) added. The flavor profile ranges from fruity to flinty with peach, melon, and lemon flavors with the richness, depth, and creaminess that the Sémillon grape brings. I love the “mouthfeel” of a White Bordeaux in comparison to a Sancerre or New Zealand Sauvignon blanc-only wine. The best White Bordeaux can command very high prices ranging from $15 to some sold for more than $800. The good news is that there are plenty of choices. There is no formal regulation or rule of thumb as to how much Sémillon is part of the final blend of grand vin White Bordeaux with some Pessac wines as high as 84% Sémillon and others as low as 5% blend in the same year.

This wonderful blend is mimicked in Australia, California, New Zealand, Loire Valley, France, Chile, and Washington state as a “White Bordeaux-style” blend. Those regions cannot be called a White Bordeaux due to EU regulations of place names. Cliff Lede in Stags Leap District, Napa Valley makes a seriously delicious white blend called “Marla” Blanc - a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Sauvignon Musqué, aged in 63% new French oak barrels, $135. See “Rock in 2024 with Cliff Lede Vineyards”, January 2024.

Seared Halibut with Beurre Blanc Sauce. Courtesy of HEB

Food Pairing Recommendations

White Bordeaux and its sister blends pair beautifully with Yellowtail Sushi, Angel Hair Pasta with Basil Pesto, Asparagus Risotto, Arugula Salad, and white fish such as Cod and Halibut with a Beurre Blanc sauce. Recipe for Seared Halibut with Beurre Blanc. Courtesy of HEB.

About the Regions of White Bordeaux: Pessac Léognan, Graves, Other Bordeaux

A White Bordeaux wine is made in several regions of Bordeaux typically near the Garonne River. The finest White Bordeaux is predominantly found in the Graves and Pessac Léognan regions, but many more affordable wines can also be found in Enter-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux. AOC regulations (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) are tighter in Graves and Pessac Léognan requiring lower grape yields resulting in grapes with more concentrated flavors. These fine wines are often fermented and aged in French oak barrels. See regions map.

Try a White Bordeaux or White Bordeaux-style blend this summer. It’s refreshing and has the depth of character to complement a serious dinner. This Fall host a “Come Over October” Party for your friends to try this amazing white blend. Watch for our entertainment ideas for that Fall party soon at Wine Wanderings.