What does White Bordeaux taste like?
Bordeaux Blanc offers a delicious array of styles for wine lovers to enjoy. The most common styles are light, zesty and crisp. They often feature fresh herbs and citrus notes with mineral characteristics and mouthwatering acidity. In warmer years, the wines can take on slightly riper notes of tropical and stone fruit. Some sub-regions will ferment their wines in oak barrels. This creates softer, fuller, creamier textured white wines that can feature spicy characteristics like caramel and vanilla from the barrel.
What grapes are used in white wine from Bordeaux?
Bordeaux white wine is usually a blend of three main grape varieties; Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and sometimes Muscadelle. The first two team up as the driving force behind most blends. Sauvignon Blanc brings vibrant acidity and a pronounced aromatic profile to the blend. Another key player, Sémillon, adds fullness to the wine with richer textures and ripe fruit characteristics. Muscadelle is occasionally used in small amounts to bring hints of perfume and spice. Sauvignon Gris, Ugni Blanc, Colombard and Merlot Blanc are also permitted but rarely used. Regions outside of France often recreate this style in their own white wine blends, the biggest two being Australia and California.
Bordeaux Blanc food pairings
These wines offer refreshing acidity levels, making them excellent partners to salty, acidic and creamy foods. Fresh seafood will always pair well. Take your pick of dishes ranging from ceviche or grilled fish to oysters. Tangy vinaigrettes and marinades will match the wine's bright acidity, while herbal sauces and seasonings will play into its green characteristics. Top it with a hard, salty cheese like parmesan or creamy and soft goat cheese. Want to learn more about wine? Find informative articles in our Wine School.