2011 Blanc de Lynch-Bages, Bordeaux, France ($36)
I love white Bordeaux—a definitely overlooked category—both for “great” wine, and everyday wine! This beauty is somewhere in-between; it has enough “seriousness” for wine geeks, but if it weren’t quite so expensive I’d want to drink it everyday. Of course, the most famous area for white Bordeaux is Pessac-Léognan, the area south of the city of Bordeaux that used to be called “Graves”—but ever since Chateau Margaux (in the Médoc) created a hit with a white Médoc many years ago, there has been a push towards planting white grapes in the Médoc. Today’s Wine Monday selection is such a wine, grown and vinified at the great Médoc (Pauillac) estate of Château Lynch-Bages. The classic three Bordeaux white varieties are in play here: Sauvignon Blanc (for that lively, grassy thang), Sémillon and Muscadelle for more fruit and flowers. I love the blend in this wine! Very grapefruit on the nose, a little Marlborough-like, with the “sweaty” dimension of Sauvignon Blanc. But it’s not Marlborough—it has a little more depth, without being New-World weighty. The grace is enhanced by the dynamic, crackling acidity—which leads to a long, energetic finish. Great food wine.
Wine4Food
I’d avoid foods needing the lightest of whites, like oysters—but most fish dishes (particularly cream and/or butter sauces), picnics, salads and charcuterie are all in play. PLUS…I have a hunch this herbal thriller would be great with long-roasted lamb!
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