From: Graves, Bordeaux, France
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle
Tasting Notes: This vibrant Graves blanc displays a lemon-gold hue, with classic aromas of ripe stone fruit, basil, and melon that epitomize the region's unique terroir. It is crisp and superbly refreshing on the palate, bursting with energetic notes of lime citrus accented by hints of ginger and freshly cut grass, adding complexity and zest. The Semillon grape contributes ripe stone fruit flavors and imparts a rich, sumptuous texture, while the Sauvignon Blanc complements this with notes of melon and a zesty citric character. The finish is clean and distinctly citric, rounding out a complex and harmoniously balanced wine, perfect for refreshing the palate.
Pairing: For a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle, consider pairing options that enhance the unique characteristics of the wine and the meal. Seafood such as fresh oysters, grilled prawns, or a seafood platter is ideal, as the wine's minerality and crisp acidity beautifully balance the richness of the seafood. Poultry dishes, like herb-roasted chicken or turkey, harmonize with the wine’s aromatic basil and fresh-cut grass notes. The herbaceous qualities of the wine can also elevate vegetarian options featuring green herbs, asparagus, or zucchini. Due to the cheese's tanginess, a fresh goat cheese salad or tartlets would complement the wine's citrus notes. Spicy Asian dishes, particularly those from Thai or Vietnamese cuisines that include ginger, basil, and citrus, will match the wine’s flavor profile.
Pad Krapow Gai (Thai Basil Chicken)
Recipe from Kris Yenbamroong, adapted by Alexa Weibel
About. Chateau Magneau is an ancient wine estate in the Graves region of Bordeaux, France, meticulously maintained by the Ardurats family, direct descendants of wine-growers dating back to before the reign of Henri IV. Situated in La Brède, notable for being the home of the famous writer Montesquieu, the estate is at the core of the Graves region, the historical birthplace of Bordeaux vineyards. The origins of Chateau Magneau can be traced back to the 17th century.
The estate extends over 40 hectares divided between La Brède and Saint-Morillon districts, with 25 hectares of white grape vines and 16 hectares of black grapes. The terrain features predominantly hard gravel and is ideally situated on well-exposed hills, fostering the production of elegant dry white wines and uniquely sharp red wines.
Chateau Magneau is known for its commitment to traditional winemaking techniques while embracing modern innovations. The estate's philosophy centers on sustainable viticulture, aiming to maintain the health of the vineyard ecosystem and reduce the environmental impact. This philosophy ensures the production of high-quality grapes, leading to high-quality wines. The focus is on expressing the unique terroir of Graves, renowned for its gravelly soil that imparts a distinct minerality and complexity to the wines.
Chateau Magneau produces a range of wines, including red, white, and rosé. The white wines are particularly noted for their aromatic complexity and vibrant acidity, often made from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle. The reds are typically blends of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, showcasing the classic structure and depth of Bordeaux reds.
Chateau Magneau is deeply committed to sustainable viticulture, adopting the Terra Vitis approach, which guarantees environmentally respectful production methods throughout each stage of winemaking. This philosophy, centered around 'Careful Agriculture,' emphasizes harmony and balance with nature.
The winery, currently managed by Jean-Louis, includes a vast, air-conditioned storeroom spanning over 1000 m², equipped with a significant stainless steel vat, two wine presses, and a thermal-regulation system to control fermentation temperatures precisely. In pursuit of continuous quality improvement, a new barrel cellar has been recently added. Tradition dictates that their red wines mature for one year in barrels, with a percentage of new casks adapted to the structure of each vintage.
