Entre Deux Mers, Bordeaux, France
Visionary winemaker Stéphane Defraine is defining what makes the wines of Bordeaux’s Entre-deux-Mers sector so special and so compelling. The name Entre-deux-Mers translates to “between two tides” – in this case, the tides of the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Here Defraine selects the coolest gravelly limestone and clay sites for his exemplary blend of traditional White Bordeaux varieties: Sauvignon Blanc (40%), Sauvignon Gris, Sémillon, and Muscadelle. Fontenille’s 2020 Blanc presents gorgeous aromas of pink grapefruit, passion fruit, preserved lemons, and yellow peaches. Sumptuous and ample on the palate, the wine infuses a juicy kernel of grapefruit, pomelo, and green pineapple fruit with gravelly minerals and hints of mint, tarragon, and menthol. Notes of white pepper, basil, jalapeño, gravel, and flint emerge on the wine’s long, refreshing finish. This is superb, affordable, top caliber white Bordeaux that will pair well with shellfish, broiled rainbow trout, sole meunière, sautéed leafy vegetables, creamed spinach, and fresh chèvres.
Sustainably Farmed
A July 2022 newsletter selection
