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Retail Savings $16.99 $29.00 41% 2011 Château des Graves Bordeaux Blancproduct-timed-pdf - Graves, Bordeaux - *US Exclusive Direct Import | 93pts Rated Why We're Drinking It Chardonnay? Yawn. Viognier? Albarino? Ho-hum. Looking for a new white that’s crisp enough to sip in the sun, solid enough to drink with dinner, and complex enough to enjoy on its own? Look no farther than Bordeaux. Giving praise where its due, wine writer, former merchant in Paris, and all-around champion of French vin, Steven Spurrier says: “I have a particular affection for the Graves, because they are such elegant wines.” Indeed, Graves is one of the most important districts of Bordeaux for both reds and whites, and the appellation where some of the earliest estates (Château Haut-Brion, La Mission-Haut-Brion, and Pape-Clément) were established. So when we wanted something special and undiscovered, we knew where to look. And what we found was drop-your-jaw delicious: the 2011 Château des Graves Bordeaux Blanc, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon coming directly from the producer. Our Panel calls it “an easy-drinking wine that is built to go with food, but can easily stand alone,” complimenting the attractive nose, healthy acidity, and powerful minerality, and adding, “The price is unbeatable, as Graves wine are remarkably undervalued.” Inside Fact: Located on the left bank of the Garonne river, southeast of the city of Bordeaux, Graves is the only subregion famous for producing all three of Bordeaux's main wine types: reds, dry whites, and sweet wines. Graves began making a name for Bordeaux as early as the mid-11th century to the mid-14th century. In the Middle Ages, the wines that were first exported to England came from this subregion, when the Médoc subregion north of the city of Bordeaux still consisted of marshland unsuitable for viticulture; Graves were naturally better-drained. Tasting Notes VARIETAL This white blend is balanced, medium-bodied, and wonderfully complex. Our Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon Tasting Panel says, "The nose on this wine is very attractive, with apples APPELLATION and tropical fruit alongside gentle floral notes. A healthy acidity provides a Graves, Bordeaux good foundation for the palate, which centers around a powerful minerality ALCOHOL but also includes peaches and apricots." 13.50 SIZE 750ml BLEND 65% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Sémillon The Story to Know Though Château de Graves evokes a famous appellation in Bordeaux, its name is actually derived from the gravelly soil that, together with a layer of clay, composes part of the vineyard’s terroir. This very limited production, château-bottled wine is created under the close supervision of estate owner Eric Arnesen. Perfect Pairings We love pairing this dry white blend with a variety of shellfish: The crisp acidity from the Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the oysters' brininess, while the richness from the Sémillon matches the meatiness of lobster. If you're serving appetizers, try a platter of goat cheese or a pot of cheese fondue with roasted pumpkin. Ratings 93 Insider Points Reviews Graves is really an amazing appellation, producing fantastic red, white, and sweet wines from the traditional Bordeaux varietals. The appellation is named for its gravelly soil profile which provides minerality and depth to the wines. The nose on this wine is very attractive, with apples and tropical fruit alongside gentle floral notes. A healthy acidity provides a good foundation for the palate, which centers around a powerful minerality but also includes peaches and apricots. This is an easy-drinking wine that is built to go with food, but can easily stand alone. The price is unbeatable, as Graves wines are remarkably undervalued and this wine is coming directly from the producer. - DZ.

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