Bordeaux, an Atlantic port city in southwestern France, gives its name to the wines of the surrounding area. In English, “Bordeaux” has been adopted to describe a deep red color because almost 90% of wine produced in the region are red blends.
However, a small number of white wines are made in Bordeaux as well. Following the Bordelais tradition, these tend to be blends too. Sauvignon blanc plays the dominant role, typically making up 60% to 90% of the total. Within the larger Bordeaux region, the Entre-Deux-Mers subdistrict specializes in young and fresh white wines of exceptional value, like this example from a small family-owned producer.
Blending grapes is the norm in Bordeaux because the region’s coastal weather patterns can be unpredictable in spring and fall. In these conditions, cultivating multiple varieties is a form of crop insurance, since different grapes will bud, flower, and fruit at slightly different times. Sauvignon blanc both flowers and harvests early, bearing fruit with a pungent flavor of citrus fruit and green herbs. Sémillon flowers come a little later, yielding milder tasting wines with flavors that veer more toward lemon and apple. They have a subtle richness reminiscent of a honeyed beeswax lip balm.
Read more 😎 Identity crisis| Down the Shore
This example of a Bordeaux white is a terrific bargain. It’s bright and clean, with a flavor as fruity as a sangria made with green apples, kiwi, lime, and mint. But like most wines of Bordeaux heritage, it’s also quite dry and crisp — with no hint of sugar on the tongue — making it an ideal partner for oysters on the half shell on a sunny day.
Château Haut-Garriga Entre-Deux-Mers
Bordeaux, France; 12.5% ABV
PLCB Item #100048557 — $8.99 through May 31 (regularly $11.99)
No alternate retail locations within 50 miles of Philadelphia according to wine-searcher.com.