Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon, France
Wine is being produced throughout France and has been done for over 2,500 years with certain Châteaux dating their history back to Roman times, around 6th Century BC. Ranking second in the world in per-capita consumption and first in total production quantity. More-so than the overall quantity of wine is the quantity of truly great wines coming out of France makes the nation the envy of wine-making nations worldwide.
Two concepts pivotal to the higher end French wines, in particular, are the idea of 'terroir' and the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system. Terroir refers to the way the geography, geology and climate find their way into the glass, telling a story of the origin of the wine. The AOC was set up in 1935 and has the primary goal of protecting the authenticity of the wines and the livelihoods of the producers. Appellation rules strictly define which varieties of grapes and winemaking practices are approved for classification in each of France's several hundred geographically defined appellations, which can cover entire regions, individual villages or in some cases, like in Burgundy even specific vineyards.
Classic wine regions in France include Champagne (home of Champagne), Burgundy (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay), Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot), Alsace (Aromatic varietals), Loire Valley (Chenin Blanc, Crémant) and the Rhône Valley (Syrah, Grenache Mourvedre)
The Bordeaux classification of 1855 is still in use, as is the Sauternes and Barsac Classification of the same year. Wines from certain regions can be bought En Primeur, which is when the wine is sold prior to it being bottled.
Two concepts pivotal to the higher end French wines, in particular, are the idea of 'terroir' and the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system. Terroir refers to the way the geography, geology and climate find their way into the glass, telling a story of the origin of the wine. The AOC was set up in 1935 and has the primary goal of protecting the authenticity of the wines and the livelihoods of the producers. Appellation rules strictly define which varieties of grapes and winemaking practices are approved for classification in each of France's several hundred geographically defined appellations, which can cover entire regions, individual villages or in some cases, like in Burgundy even specific vineyards.
Classic wine regions in France include Champagne (home of Champagne), Burgundy (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay), Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot), Alsace (Aromatic varietals), Loire Valley (Chenin Blanc, Crémant) and the Rhône Valley (Syrah, Grenache Mourvedre)
The Bordeaux classification of 1855 is still in use, as is the Sauternes and Barsac Classification of the same year. Wines from certain regions can be bought En Primeur, which is when the wine is sold prior to it being bottled.
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The entry-level white from Domaine de Chevalier, the 2018 L'Esprit De Chevalier is smoking good, and at some point, could make you wonder about the rationale for spending the extra money for the top wine. Ripe lemon, citrus, sliced pineapple, and ... Learn More -
A rarity in the area, the vineyard at Chateau Climens is planted to 100% Semillon on chalky limestone, sand and clay soils. Situated in the Barsac area of Sauternes, Climens will display a touch more richness than its Barsac peers, but ... Learn MoreClimens Sauternes Barsac (375ml) 2016$90.00 Per item -
The 2013 Coutet has one of the most complex aromatics you will find this year - a smorgasbord of citrus fruit, lime zest, orange blossom and white peach that is beautifully interwoven with compelling mineralite. The palate is extremely well-balanced, very ... Learn MoreChateau Coutet Sauternes-Barsac 2013$128.00 Per item -
Outer quote mark The Château Coutet 2014 is a blend of 75% Sémillon, 23% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle and delivers...cue the drumroll...a whopping 162 grams per liter of residual sugar, the highest level of any Sauternes that I have data ... Learn MoreChateau Coutet Sauternes-Barsac 2014 (750ml)$130.00 Per item -
The best Sauternes from Barsac, as rated by US President Thomas Jefferson in 1787, Chateau Coutet has a long-standing record of excellence. The winery's exceptional terroir benefits from old vines with exceptionally deep roots that concentrate the flavours of the fruit. ... Learn MoreChateau Coutet Sauternes-Barsac 2018$140.00 Per item -
Another rocking sweet wine is the 2017 Château Coutet. This big, full-bodied, opulent beauty has serious notes of orange blossom, buttered citrus, and honey, yet also shows the more pure, precise, and elegant style of the vintage on the palate. ... Learn MoreChateau Coutet Sauternes-Barsac 2010$150.00 Per item -
The pale to medium lemon-gold colored 2018 Suduiraut comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant notes of candied peel, warm pineapple, guava and key lime pie with hints of orange marmalade and beeswax. The palate is packed with power and ... Learn MoreChateau Suduiraut Sauternes 2018$180.00 Per item -
Château Smith Haut Lafitte is located in Pessac-Léognan on the Left Bank of the Garonne River. During the 1959 Classification of the Graves it was rated as Grand Cru Classé for its red wine. Nowadays the estate is also ... Learn MoreChateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 2007$186.00 Per item -
This has a complex nose of dried apple, green mango, grapefruit zest, dried honeysuckle and crushed almonds. It’s full-bodied with bright acidity and a dense, phenolic texture. Vivid and layered with fantastic precision. Very, very long. This needs time. ... Learn More -
Domaine de Chevalier, classified Grand Cru Classé de Graves, is one of the most important wine estates in Pessac-Leognan. It makes both a red and a white grand vin: the former is a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend, and the latter a ... Learn MoreDomaine de Chevalier Blanc 2006$259.99 Per item -
Château Smith Haut Lafitte is located in Pessac-Léognan on the Left Bank of the Garonne River. During the 1959 Classification of the Graves it was rated as Grand Cru Classé for its red wine. Nowadays the estate is also ... Learn MoreChateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 2005$259.99 Per item -
This is rich and concentrated, with crème brûlée and apple crumble on the nose and palate. Full-bodied and very sweet. Thick and powerful. Layered and massive. ... Learn MoreChateau Doisy Daene L'Extravagant Sauternes (375ML) 2009$490.00 Per item -
A blend of 23.8% Sauvignon Blanc and 76.2% Sémillon, the 2017 Blanc takes its time uncoiling from its tightly wound state, slowly revealing nuances of lemon tart, lime blossoms, green mango and jasmine with touches of cedar chest and sea spray. Medium-bodied, ... Learn More -
A lovely pale yellow colour, with green glints. The nose is concentrated with fruity scents of citrus, mango and pineapple. Swirling reveals concentration and depth of aromas. On the first taste, the wine is rich, fresh, wide and taut all ... Learn MoreChateau Haut Brion Blanc 2021 (En Primeur - Delivery 2024)$1,800.00 Per item -
This is such a stunning wine and the impact on the palate is terrific. Very closed and very intense, the fruit is firm and arresting and the length is sensational. The oak, while fairly prominent, joins forces with the acidity ... Learn MoreChateau Haut Brion Blanc 2018 (Ex Chateau arrival time 4 months)$2,350.00 Per item
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