The dry white wine of Bordeaux

August 30, 2011
About Wines from Bordeaux
Best wine supplier in Philippines discusses wine related topics

The Dry White Wines of Bordeaux
The dry white wines of Bordeaux offer a range of tasty tipples ranging from light and refreshing sippers to serious, full-bodied and ageworthy blockbusters.

Bordeaux is most famous for its big, expensive red wines from such prestigious appellations as Margaux, Pauillac, St-Emilion, to name a few, and to a lesser extend, for its sweet wines from Sauternes and Barsac, but its dry white wines have been increasingly gaining praise from the critics.
The white wines of Bordeaux have had a rather sketchy history as being wines of questionable quality. Oftentimes these wines were flabby and oxidized with an unnecessary amount of added sulphur (probably because the winemakers were more used to making sweet wines which require more sulphur.) In recent years, things have started to change and a range of different styles of dry white wines of improving quality are now being made. The wines can be refreshing, unoaked wines dominated by Sauvignon Blanc and/or Semillon, or full-bodied, barrel-aged, and ageworthy single varietals or blend of two or more grape varieties.
Grape Varieties
Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon make up most dry white Bordeaux. Muscadelle and Sauvignon Gris are two less important varieties that are less likely seen, but may be added to the blend.
Sauvignon Blanc: This grape – often better known from such wine regions as Sancerre in France’s Loire Valley and Marlborough in New Zealand – is also planted in Bordeaux. It is a very versatile grape that can produce light, racy, unoaked whites and more structured and complex oak-aged versions. Sauvignon Blanc is often criticized as being simple and unable to age, however, some excellent ageworthy examples are crafted from such producers as Smith-Haut-Lafitte (approximately $109 in Ontario). You may see some wines made with Sauvignon Blanc grapes referring to the grape on the label, such as the crisp and nettly Dourthe La Grande Cuvee Sauvignon Blanc ($15.95 in Ontario).
Semillon: This is the most planted white grape in the Bordeaux region. Semillon has a naturally thin skin which makes it an easy target for Noble Rot (Botrytis cinerea infection), necessary for making the sumptuous sweet wines of Bordeaux. Some rich, full-bodied dry wines with tropical fruit and honey aromas are also made with Semillon. Chateau Roquetaillade La Grange ($14.95 in Ontario) is mostly Semillon with a bit of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle blended in. Semillon is often blended with the leaner, more acidic Sauvignon Blanc to balance its plumpness.
Muscadelle: Similar to the Muscat grape, although not directly related, Muscadelle has a perfumed aroma that has many admirers. Very rarely is this grape made into a single varietal wine and almost never makes up more than 15% of any vineyard. Muscadelle is a difficult grape to grow so many growers won’t bother with it. It is sometimes seen as a minor component in dry and sweet white blends.
Sauvignon Gris: This offshoot of the Sauvignon Blanc grape has developed a following in the Graves region of Bordeaux where some estates, such as Chateaux Monbousquet ($105 in Ontario), Pape-Clement ($269 in Ontario), Rahoul, and even the famous Pessac-Leognan estate Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte, have adopted it. Sauvignon Gris has a pinkish-coloured skin and instead of the citrus and grassy aromas and flavours of Sauvignon Blanc, it has a rounder, more floral character.

Principal Dry White Bordeaux Appellations
Bordeaux AOP: Many of the dry white wines of Bordeaux are classified simply as Bordeaux AOC (changed recently to AOP). In fact, 60% of all dry white wine produced in Bordeaux uses this appellation. Many styles of dry whites are classified with this appellation, from fresh, crisp, and fruity wines for early consumption to more full-bodied, barrel-aged examples. Many Bordeaux AOP wines can be purchased at quite reasonable prices. A couple of good examples are Chateau d’Argadens Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon, $16.95 in Ontario), and Mouton Cadet Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc, $13.95 in Ontario).
Entre-Deux-Mers AOP: After Bordeaux AOP, this is the largest dry white wine appellation in Bordeaux. Wines sold as Entre-Deux-Mers must be dry whites and are mainly made with Sauvignon Blanc together with Semillon and Muscadelle. Most of these wines are light and easy-drinking and should be consumed as young as possible. Many Entre-Deux-Mers whites can be considered ‘cheap and cheerful’ wines – tasty, but not too complex. Andre Lurton’s Chateau Bonnet White ($13.95 in Ontario) is a tasty example.
Graves AOP: Graves is Bordeaux’s only region that is famous for both its red and white wines. It is in this region that more serious, barrel-aged, sometimes barrel fermented dry whites can be found. Most are a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Look for Chateau Haut Selve for a nicely oaked version of Semillon ($21.95 in Ontario).
Pessac-Leognan AOP: This appellation is also for both red and white wines and was established in 1987 for what is considered to be the best vineyards of the larger Graves region. It is still often referred to as Graves. Famous chateaux include Haut-Brion, La Mission-Haut-Brion, Pape-Clement, and Marlartic-Lagraviere. The white wines from this region can be included among the most complex white wines in the world. Sauvignon Blanc must make up at least 25% of the blend usually with Semillon. These wines will, for the most part, be barrel-fermented and barrel-aged, and some of the best can be successfully cellared for decades. Chateau de Rochemorin Blanc (also by Andre Lurton) is a Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blend, aged in oak, that will keep well for up to 5 years ($24.95 in Ontario).
Choosing a Dry White Bordeaux
It is very difficult to determine the style of wine in the bottle as there is usually no indication on the label. The price may give some indication as the less expensive wines are more likely to be the light and refreshing versions, and less likely to be barrel-aged. Ageing wine in barrels usually drives the price up a bit due to the high cost of purchasing the barrels. The more expensive wines will typically be fuller-bodied, more complex, and are more likely to be barrel-aged.

Source: http://www.suite101.com/content/the-dry-white-wines-of-bordeaux-a270090

Although wines are widely available in most Asian countries, especially in Hong Kong which has eliminated import tariff on wines altogether, the availability of fine vintage wines is still very scarce. Most wine merchants offer big names, young vintages and cheaper wines for everyday consumption. Wine lovers and connoisseurs looking for something special often travel to Clark Pampanga Philippines to do their shopping at this Wine Shop in Manila.

At Yats Wine Cellars we believe that a little bit of knowledge in wine goes a long way to developing expectations in the wines we choose to buy or drink. Without expectation, it is difficult to really enjoy wine to its fullest. With this in mind, efforts are made by Yats Wine Cellars to make it as easy and enjoyable as possible for our clients to learn more about wine.

Birthday wine gifts is one of the most popular birthday gifts to give someone living in the Philippines. Fine Vintage wine from Yats Wine Cellars is a sure winner and it does not have to cost a great deal to send someone a bottle in Philippines

To avail of wine catering service of Yats Wine Cellars, just contact this wine supplier in Manila or Angeles Clark Philippines for a meeting to design a theme for the event. The venue for a wine event can be in the privacy of a home, the convenience of an office in Manila for example or in a clubhouse of a subdivision. Wine glasses and accessories necessary for wine service are included in the wine catering service. Moreover, interesting wine notes accompany the wine to help participants enjoy the event even more by learning a little bit about wine while enjoying the party. A wine steward will be present to serve the wine.

There is also an exciting collection of white wine from Burgundy at this wine shop in Clark Pampanga such as Meursault, Chablis, Chassagne Montrachet, Puligny Montrachet, Corton-Charlemagne and St. Aubin. Red wines from Burgundy, Bordeaux and Rhone are also available with a good depth of back vintages too. Visitors buy wine in Manila and Pampanga should not miss stopping at this wine shop for a few bottles of fine vintage wines to bring home.

http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com

Getting to this wine shop in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone Philippines from Manila
Getting to the Clark Wine Center wine shop from Manila is quite simple: after entering Clark Freeport from Dau and Angeles City, proceed straight along the main highway M A Roxas. Clark Wine Center is the stand-along white building on the right, at the corner A Bonifacio Ave. From the Clark International Airport DMIA, ask the taxi to drive towards the entrance of Clark going to Angeles City. From Mimosa, just proceed towards the exit of Clark and this wine shop is on the opposite side of the main road M A Roxas.

Clark Wine Center
Bldg 6460 Clark Observatory Building
Manuel A. Roxas Highway corner A Bonifacio Ave,
Angeles Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga 2023
(045) 841 4006 / 0922-870-5173 / 0917-826-8790 (ask for Ana Fe)

Wine@Yats-International.com

YATS Wine Cellars
Manila Sales Office
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605
(632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 ask for Rea or Chay

Best place to buy wine in Clark Pampanga outside Manila near Subic and Angeles City Philippines is Clark Wine Center.

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While in Clark, it might be a good idea to enjoy an evening of wine-and-dine in the fine dining Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar that features an award winning 2700-line wine list. It is located in Mimosa Leisure Estate of Clark Freeport Zone. For more information, visit http://www.YatsRestaurant.com

YATS Leisure Philippines is a developer and operator of clubs, resorts and high-class restaurants and wine shops in Clark Angeles Philippines http://www.yatsleisure.com

Looking for famous tourists spots, places to visit and see, relax and unwind in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines? You may want to check out these sites also:

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http://www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com

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http://www.YatsWineCellars.com

Yats Restaurant is the best restaurant for special dinner, best restaurant for dinner with friends near Manila, also the best place to celebrate special events.

Famous Restaurant in Pampanga, a place to dine with friends in Clark, cozy restaurant with a nice ambience, a nice function place for special occasions

Are you looking for an attractive restaurant or a nice place to eat with friends in Clark, Angeles City Pampanga? Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar is a restaurant with good food and good wines for dinner located at Clark Angeles City Pampanga. Perfect for exclusive dinner venues for groups, recommended for private dinner in Philippines. A Restaurant in Clark for business dinner meeting. Private dinner place or dinner restaurant in Clark Subic Near Manila Angeles City Pampanga. Yats Restaurant is one of the Good Restaurant in Pampanga Angeles City Clark near Manila.

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Trouble free hotels and well recognized hotels in Subic Clark Angeles City Pampanga
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