Château Les Clauzots Graves Blanc 2022 750ml

Here in Bordeaux, far to the south of the leaner, more acidic stylings of the famous Loire appellations of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume, warmer weather and the tempering influence of the Atlantic Ocean results in notable concentration and a fuller body. Further distinguishing is the blending of Semillon grapes creating the impression of more golden, generous fruit and an oilier, mouth-coating texture that lends a sense of luxury. Finally, in many examples (especially in the Graves appellation), fermentation in oak, oftentimes a percentage of which will be new, imparts the aforementioned warmth we seek for the cooler nights along with subtle tones of integrated vanilla and baking spice. That said, lovers of tangy, snappy Sauvignon Blanc should not be put off by the addition of oak; as evidenced here with Clauzots’ articulation of the classic style, great Bordeaux blanc sacrifices none of the bright zippiness of the beloved variety, but is simply augmented and accented by these stylistic differences from other regions’ methods. Clauzots Graves Blanc is practically the definition of the word versatile when it comes to food.