From: Bordeaux, France
Blend: 70% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Semillon
Taste: On the nose, this charming wine displays an expressive aromatic bouquet of grapefruit, passion fruit, and boxwood, mingled with delicate notes of white flowers, beeswax, acacia, and slight hint of roasted nuts. These vibrant aromas reveal the wine's rich blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, the former lending intensity and minerality, while the latter imparts smoothness and complexity.
Upon tasting, this Graves Blanc is immediately captivating with its powerful, round, and lively character. The palate is treated to a harmonious combination of flavors, including juicy citrus fruits, exotic passion fruit, and subtle hints of juniper. The wine's structure showcases a perfect balance between tension and unctuousness, with a refreshing acidity that underlines the wine's fresh fruitiness. A lingering, mineral-laden finish leaves a lasting impression, beckoning for another sip.
Pairing: The 2020 Château les Clauzots Graves Blanc's lively, fruity profile and refreshing acidity make it an incredibly versatile wine for pairing with a wide variety of dishes. Its citrus and mineral notes perfectly complement seafood dishes, such as grilled fish, shrimp scampi, or seared scallops (or check out the Crab-Meat Quiche recipe below!). The wine's acidity and fruitiness also harmonize well with poultry, veal, and pork dishes, as well as sushi, crudo, and mildly spicy Asian cuisine.
This delightful Graves Blanc is a superb match for regional dishes from the Bordeaux area, such as Oysters from Arcachon Bay, Cèpes de Bordeaux (porcini mushrooms), and Salade Landaise (duck confit salad). Pair it with traditional French dishes like Quiche Lorraine or a vibrant Salade Niçoise to highlight the wine's fruity and floral notes.
For vegetarian options, the 2020 Château les Clauzots Graves Blanc pairs beautifully with a variety of vegetable-based dishes. Try it with a goat cheese and beet salad, or a creamy risotto. The wine's acidity and fruit flavors also complement dishes with tangy elements, such as a zesty lemon and herb couscous, or a roasted vegetable and feta cheese tart. The Graves Blanc will also enhance the flavors of a simple yet satisfying pasta primavera or a vibrant quinoa and vegetable stir-fry.
Crab-Meat Quiche
By David Tanis
About. The Tach family's commitment to upholding the rich history and terroir of Château les Clauzots in Saint Pierre de Mons has been the driving force behind their success in producing high-quality wines for over a century. Their 2020 Graves Blanc is no exception, showcasing the elegance, freshness, and balance that the Graves appellation is known for.
A Winemaking Legacy
The Tach family has been involved in winemaking since 1915 when Marceau Tach produced the first wine of the property. Over the years, the family has endured significant challenges, such as the devastating winter of 1956, which led to the replanting of the vineyard. The introduction of red grape varieties in the 1960s marked a turning point for Château les Clauzots, and the property has since seen steady growth and development under the guidance of Frederic Tach and his sons, Adrien and Maxime.
Graves Appellation: A Unique Terroir
The Graves appellation is Bordeaux's oldest, with a terroir characterized by its unique gravelly soil, dense pebbles, and exceptional climate. This terroir is particularly suitable for cultivating red and white grape varieties, thanks to the combination of Quaternary era terraces and clay and sandy lands, which promote the expression of fresh, mineral notes in white wines.
Château les Clauzots Graves Blanc: A Testament to Quality
The 2020 Château les Clauzots Graves Blanc showcases the best of the Graves appellation. Composed of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grape varieties, the wine offers an aromatic intensity marked by citrus fruits, exotic fruits, and the characteristic minerality of the terroir. The mouthfeel is built with tension and length, while the rich and delicate Semillon contributes smoothness and volume to the final blend.
Pairing Recommendations
The 2020 Château les Clauzots Graves Blanc's fresh, citrus profile and sweet fruit, spice, and mineral characteristics make it the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes, including seafood, chicken, veal, pork, sushi, and semi-spicy cuisine. A slight chill of 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) will enhance the wine's tasting experience.
A Glimpse into the Graves Region
The Graves region has a long and colorful history of winemaking, dating back to the Roman era. Located on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, Graves has been producing exceptional wines for centuries, thanks to its unique terroir and diverse soil types. Today, the region's vineyards continue to amaze wine lovers, offering a wide range of red, white, and sweet wines that reflect the appellation's distinct character.
In conclusion, the 2020 Château les Clauzots Graves Blanc is a testament to the Tach family's dedication to preserving their winemaking legacy and the unique terroir of the Graves appellation. This elegant white wine offers a fine balance between technical mastery and agronomic knowledge, resulting in a truly memorable tasting experience.
