Bordeaux - White
Tasting Notes
Bordeaux white wine has it’s origins in France during the Roman era. It has been cultivated for over 2000 years and originally a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Since the 12th century there was a significant increase in the production of the wine. Today, the wine has evolved and is almost always a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Chenin Blanc, Muscadelle or Sauvignon Gris are used at times but in much smaller amounts.
🎯 Overall Character - Bordeaux white wines are known for their diverse flavour profile depending on style and regional differences. The wine can range from young and crisp to creamy rich and oak aged. The flavours typically present citrus and stone fruit flavours along with vanilla and spice if oak aged. Due to the Sauvignon influence herbal aromas and flavours are also present.
🌿 On the Nose (Aromatics) - Bordeaux White has primary fruit aromas of citrus lemon zest, grapefruit, and lime, Stone fruit aromas of white peach, apricot and nectarine, as well as pear and green apple aromas. The Sauvignon Blanc influence presents herbal aromas of grass, tarragon and fennel as well as floral aromas of honeysuckle and chamomile. Post fermentation techniques and aging will provide secondary aromas of brioche, almond cream and toast (due to lee contact), vanilla, sweet spice and cedar (if oak aged) and honeycomb and waxy richness due to the Semillon influence.
🍏 On the Palate - Bordeaux white has medium to high acidity, it is medium to full body especially when Semillon is present and can range from crisp to creamy depending on the post fermentation process. Alcohol levels typically are 12-13.5 % ABV. Flavours present in unoaked styles are citrus (lemon, lime, grapefruit), green apple, gooseberry and saline minerality. Flavours present in oak styles are ripe peach, apricot, baked apple, toasted almond and vanilla. The finish especially oak aged styles is long, layered and rich.
🕰️ Aging Profile - Bordeaux white wines show best within 1-2 years. After 2 years the citrus and stone fruit notes begin to fade. There are style differences such as wines with more Semillon that are oaked can age for greater than 5 years.
Food Pairing
White Bordeaux comes in two major styles—light & citrus‑driven (Sauvignon Blanc–dominant) and rich & creamy (Sémillon‑dominant, often from Pessac‑Léognan). Each style pairs differently.
🥂 1. Light & Fruity White Bordeaux (Sauvignon Blanc–dominant; citrus, grapefruit, lime, gooseberry, floral notes) - Best Pairings
🐟 Seafood - Oysters, mussels, clams, Cod, halibut, sole, Sushi, especially yellowtail with avocado, Shrimp or shrimp salad.
🥗 Vegetables & Herbs - Arugula salad with lemon & Parmesan, Asparagus risotto, English pea ravioli with crab or lobster, Basil pesto pasta (basil is a perfect aromatic match)
🧀 Cheese - Fresh goat cheese, Feta, and young Manchego
🍗 Light Proteins - Chicken Piccata, Turkey Breast, Pork Tenderloin with citrus or herbs
🍯 2. Rich & Creamy White Bordeaux (Sémillon‑dominant; baked apple, pear, crème brûlée, lemon butter, chamomile)
Best Pairings
🐟 & 🦞 Seafood - Lobster with butter, Scallops and Salmon (poached or lightly smoked)
🍗 Poultry & Pork - Roast Chicken with herbs, Pork Loin with apple and Veal in a cream sauce.
🍄 Vegetables - Mushroom risotto, Roasted cauliflower and Butternut squash soup
🧀 Cheese - Comté, Aged Gouda and Triple‑cream cheeses such as Brillat‑Savarin, Boursault, Blue Castello or Délice de Bourgogne.
Avoid overly acidic dishes (e.g., heavy lemon vinaigrette) with light styles—they can overshadow the wine, Very spicy dishes can mute aromatics and strong blue cheeses overwhelm both styles.
Oysters
Lobster
Mushroom Risotto
Blue Castello cheese