From: Bordeaux, France
Blend: 40 % Sémillon, 30% Sauvignon Blanc, and 30% Sauvignon Gris
Taste: The wine's profile is marked by a vibrant acidity and harmonious aromas that successfully meld zesty citrus (without being grassy) and yellow apples with subtle floral and a hint of honeyed notes. The bright flavors come from the Sauvignon Blanc in the blend, and Sémillon adds the richness and hint of honey. These characteristics become rounded out by the nuanced complexity of Sauvignon Gris. Its finish is refreshing and clean, with a distinctive minerality.
Pairing: The wine's crisp acidity and citrus notes beautifully cut through the richness of the seafood. Pair it with oysters, baked, fried, or grilled prawns, and white fish to bring out the zestiness of the wine (check out the recipe below for a Thai-style clam pairing— go easy on the peppers). It also complements sushi and sashimi, enhancing the delicate flavors of the fish. The tangy and earthy flavors of goat cheese are a perfect match for this Bordeaux Blanc. Enjoy a goat cheese salad or a tart for a delightful contrast of flavors. This wine can stand up to aromatic but mildly spiced Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. Dishes like green curry, pad Krapow Gai (Thai basil chicken), pad Thai, bánh xèo (crispy Vietnamese pancakes), or a fresh Vietnamese spring roll with a mildly spicy dipping sauce will be beautifully balanced by the wine's acidity and fruit.
Fragrant Thai-Style Clams in Coconut Broth
By David Tanis
About. The history of Château du Pin and its connection with the Queyrens family reflects a rich tapestry of architectural heritage and viticultural passion spanning several centuries.
Château du Pin boasts an architectural history that stretches back many centuries, with its main wing constructed in the late 15th century during the reign of King François Premier. The chapel and other additions were added in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is believed that the foundation of the central square tower dates back to the 12th century.
In 1922, Gerard and Claudine Gignoux acquired the chateau, where they raised their family. Gerard created the extraordinary topiary gardens and managed the farms and vineyards, while Claudine, a skilled landscape painter, produced fine murals for the chateau inspired by the local countryside. Today, the chateau, classified as a “Monument Historique,” features approximately 300 acres of farmland, woodlands with walking trails, vineyards, formal gardens, a topiary, and a chapel, collectively managed by the children and grandchildren of the Gignoux family.
The Queyrens family, through their estate Vignobles J.Queyrens & Fils, has been preserving and transmitting their know-how and passion for vine cultivation for over 100 years. Significant milestones include the purchase of the Château Pilet vineyard in 1965, with Jean and Yvette Queyrens taking over the family business at Château du Pin-Franc in 1974 to develop direct sales.
Following Yvette's passing in 1988, the Civil Society Vignobles Jean Queyrens et Fils was established, marking the official return of the children (Alain, Patrick, and Christophe) to continue their parents' work. The estate now covers 65 hectares in Donzac, in the Entre-Deux-Mers region, with a mix of red and white grape varieties suited to the soil and exposure of the plots.
Château du Pin-Franc, under the stewardship of the Queyrens family, has achieved recognition for its quality wines, garnering awards in various competitions and selections in prestigious wine guides like the Hachette Wine Guide, where it received notable mentions for its vintages.
The Château du Pin-Franc Bordeaux Blanc 2022 is a harmonious blend that combines 40% Sémillon, 30% Sauvignon Blanc, and 30% Sauvignon Gris, each contributing to a balanced and vibrant profile. Cultivated in the unique terroir of sandy soils with an underpinning of limestone, this white wine embodies the essence of its origin, offering a delightful expression of fruit and terroir.
Vinification and aging processes are carried out meticulously in stainless steel tanks, a method chosen to preserve the grape varieties' crisp, fresh flavors and ensure the wine's purity and clarity of character. This technique highlights the wine's natural acidity and aromatic complexity, making it a refreshing choice for enthusiasts.
Proudly HVE3 certified, the highest level of France's Haute Valeur Environnementale certification, it represents the estate's dedication to sustainable viticulture practices. This certification is a testament to the estate's efforts in biodiversity conservation, plant protection strategies, and the overall reduction of environmental impact in their vineyard operations.
