White wine from Bordeaux? Some of you may be surprised that Sauvignon Blanc-based wines are produced in Bordeaux. Those who aren’t, have either been on a Wine-Knows’ trip to Bordeaux, or are very savvy wine connoisseurs. White Bordeaux wines account for only 7% of the area’s production and very little of it ever make it across the Atlantic. Indeed, Sauvignon Blanc (Sauv Blanc) is Bordeaux’s secret grape.
Sauv Blanc has its origin in France. DNA researchers have actually traced its birthplace to the Bordeaux area. Furthermore, DNA evidence has proven Sauv Blanc to be one of the parents of Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux’s Hail Mary red grape. Centuries ago vineyards in France were all planted with a mixture of different red and white varietals in the same row. Crossings between these different grapes in close proximity occurred in French vineyards and birthed new varietals.
Bordeaux’s Sauv Blanc in often mixed with Semillon, another white varietal, to create a blended wine known as Bordeaux Blanc (white). Sauv Blanc is typically the majority of this blend. Most wine aficionados know Sauv Blanc as an aromatic varietal. Depending on where it is grown, the varietal can offer different flavor profiles. The cooler climate of Bordeaux, for example, serves up a palate of lemon & lime along with green apples. With global warming, however, Sauv Blanc in Bordeaux is moving towards stone fruits and even tropical nuances.
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Shrimp fishermen cast large nets from cranes throughout Bordeaux |
Last, Sauv Blanc-centric whites work well with Bordeaux’s local maritime food products. Shellfish is a natural pairing with a white Bordeaux as the high acidity of a Bordeaux Blanc cuts through the fattiness of seafood (many of which are served with a cream sauce). Lighter foods such as simple grilled fish also work with the area’s Sauv Blanc.
If you’re coming on the harvest trip to Bordeaux with
Wine-Knows in September (sorry, but we’re sold out with a waiting list), you
will have the opportunity to try Sauv Blanc at its birthplace. In the meanwhile, why not pick up a bottle
(either online or at a wine shop that has a great Bordeaux collection)?