Bordeaux is a name synonymous with some of the world&#39;s most prestigious red wines, but its white wines, particularly Bordeaux Blanc, often fly under the radar. While the reds of this region have garnered international fame, Bordeaux Blanc wines, crafted primarily from Sauvignon Blanc, S&eacute;millon, and Muscadelle grapes, are some of the wine world&#39;s best-kept secrets. These wines offer an elegant balance of freshness, complexity, and aging potential that can rival the finest whites from anywhere in the world.

Why Bordeaux Blanc Often Stays Under the Radar

Several factors contribute to Bordeaux Blanc&rsquo;s relatively low profile:

1. Focus on Red Wines: Bordeaux&rsquo;s reputation has been built on its red wines. The dominance of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in the region overshadows the white varieties.

2. Limited Production: Compared to red Bordeaux, the production of Bordeaux Blanc is much smaller, with only a fraction of the vineyards dedicated to white varieties.

3. Consumer Awareness: Many wine consumers are less familiar with Bordeaux Blanc, often gravitating towards better-known white wine regions like Burgundy, Loire, or even New Zealand for Sauvignon Blanc.

4. Market Positioning: Bordeaux Blancs are often positioned as less prestigious or desirable compared to their red counterparts, making them less sought after in international markets.

Despite these factors, Bordeaux Blanc wines are adored by those in the know for their quality and aging potential, offering remarkable value for those willing to explore beyond the more famous Bordeaux reds.

Several ch&acirc;teaux in Bordeaux have built a reputation for producing outstanding white wines. Here are some of the top producers:

1. Ch&acirc;teau Haut-Brion Blanc: One of the most prestigious and rare Bordeaux Blancs, Haut-Brion Blanc, is a highly sought-after wine known for its complexity and ability to age for decades.

2. Ch&acirc;teau La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc: Another top-tier producer, known for its rich, full-bodied whites that balance power with finesse.

3. Ch&acirc;teau Smith Haut Lafitte: This estate is renowned for producing vibrant, well-structured whites that showcase the purity of the fruit and the terroir.

4. Ch&acirc;teau Pape Cl&eacute;ment Blanc: Known for its opulent and aromatic style, Pape Cl&eacute;ment Blanc is a wine that offers immediate pleasure but can also reward aging.

5. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Chateau-Carbonnieux-Pessac-Leognan-Blanc-2022-w2815766ib">Ch&acirc;teau Carbonnieux Blanc:</a> A historical estate that produces one of the most reliable and accessible Bordeaux Blancs, offering exceptional value and consistent quality.

Let&rsquo;s deep dive into Ch&acirc;teau Carbonnieux Blanc:

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Chateau-Carbonnieux-Pessac-Leognan-Blanc-2022-w2815766ib">Ch&acirc;teau Carbonnieux</a>, located in the Pessac-L&eacute;ognan appellation, is one of the oldest estates in Bordeaux, with a history dating back to the 13th century. The estate has been under the ownership of the Perrin family since 1956, who have been instrumental in modernizing the vineyard and winery while preserving its rich heritage.

Eric Perrin, a member of the Perrin family, is the current steward of <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Chateau-Carbonnieux-Pessac-Leognan-Blanc-2022-w2815766ib">Ch&acirc;teau Carbonnieux</a>. His winemaking philosophy is rooted in respect for the terroir, with a focus on producing wines that are both expressive of their origin and capable of aging gracefully. The estate employs sustainable viticulture practices, and the winemaking process is a careful balance of tradition and innovation.

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Chateau-Carbonnieux-Pessac-Leognan-Blanc-2022-w2815766ib">Ch&acirc;teau Carbonnieux Blanc</a> is a blend primarily of Sauvignon Blanc and S&eacute;millon, with a small percentage of Muscadelle. The wine is fermented in oak barrels, a process that adds complexity and structure, while still preserving the fresh, vibrant character of the fruit. The wine typically sees around 10-12 months of aging on the lees, which contributes to its creamy texture and depth of flavor.

Tasting Notes:

Appearance: Pale yellow with greenish hues, indicating its freshness and youth.

Nose: Aromas of citrus, green apple, and pear dominate, with underlying notes of white flowers, honey, and a subtle hint of oak.

Palate: Crisp and lively on the palate, with flavors of lemon, lime, and grapefruit complemented by a touch of minerality and a creamy mouthfeel from the lees aging. The finish is long, clean, and slightly nutty, with a lingering impression of freshness.

Wine Spectator: 92 points - &ldquo;A beautifully balanced Bordeaux Blanc, with a bright acidity that cuts through the rich texture, offering flavors of citrus and stone fruit with a refined mineral backbone.&rdquo;

Robert Parker&rsquo;s Wine Advocate: 91 points - &ldquo;The 2020 Carbonnieux Blanc is a textbook example of the appellation, with its vivid fruit, floral notes, and a seamless integration of oak.&rdquo;

James Suckling: 93 points - &ldquo;This is a precise and focused white, with beautiful purity of fruit. The finish is vibrant and zesty, making it an excellent wine for aging.&rdquo;

Potential Food Pairings:

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Chateau-Carbonnieux-Pessac-Leognan-Blanc-2022-w2815766ib">Ch&acirc;teau Carbonnieux Blanc</a> is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes:

Seafood: The wine&#39;s crisp acidity and citrus notes make it a perfect match for oysters, scallops, or a delicate fish like sole or halibut.

Poultry: Roast chicken or turkey with herbs and lemon will complement the wine&#39;s fresh flavors and creamy texture.

Cheese: Aged goat cheese or Comt&eacute; are excellent pairings, as the wine&#39;s acidity balances the richness of the cheese.

Vegetarian: A salad with citrus vinaigrette or a vegetable risotto would pair beautifully, highlighting the wine&#39;s fresh and vibrant character.

Bordeaux Blanc wines like <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Chateau-Carbonnieux-Pessac-Leognan-Blanc-2022-w2815766ib">Ch&acirc;teau Carbonnieux Blanc</a> offer wine enthusiasts an opportunity to explore a different side of Bordeaux. These wines, with their combination of freshness, complexity, and aging potential, deserve more attention. For those looking to expand their palate and discover an underappreciated gem, Bordeaux Blanc is a rewarding choice. Whether you&rsquo;re enjoying a glass with seafood or simply sipping it on a warm evening, these wines showcase the elegance and versatility of Bordeaux&rsquo;s white varieties.

Bordeaux is a name synonymous with some of the world's most prestigious red wines, but its white wines, particularly Bordeaux Blanc, often fly under the radar. While the reds of this region have garnered international fame, Bordeaux Blanc wines, crafted primarily from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle grapes, are some of the wine world's best-kept secrets. These wines offer an elegant balance of freshness, complexity, and aging potential that can rival the finest whites from anywhere in the world.

Bordeaux Blanc: An Underappreciated Gem of the Wine World

Wines from grapes grown in higher altitude areas with cooler climate has become quite the trend recently. This specific growing environment gives intense flavor but elegance and freshness to the final wines. To highlight and champion these conditions more and more winemakers are starting to use alto as a marketing and labelling term to show their grapes were grown in high altitude vineyards.

Decoding the wine label: Alto

Brut is a word often seen on labels for different kinds of sparkling wine. As you may have discovered when drinking these wines, it indicates that the wine is dry, meaning there is no perceived sweetness in the wine. But how about Extra Brut or Dry, what do they mean and are they the same as Brut?

Decoding the wine label: Brut

Semi-sweet Riesling, a type of wine falling out of style. It’s a shame, since these wines are perfect to pair with flavorful cuisines like Asian or Mexican, or simply drink as they come under the summer sun. The higher level of sugar left in the wine also means that the alcoholic fermentation was stopped before finishing, providing a wine with lower alcohol level and therefor easier grabbing a second glass of.

Decoding the wine label: Spätlese

Have you ever heard the word Xinomavro? Most have not. It is however a word on many sommeliers’ lips today, as it happens to be considered the grape variety with the highest quality in Greece, and one that is trending at the moment. The fact that Greece have been making wine for a long time comes as no surprise, but they have never exported an amount to make sure wine lovers around the globe tried it. With the growing wine tourism many have discovered these wines and are serving them in wine bars and restaurants in many countries today.

Decoding the wine label: Xinomavro

Chianti Classico, Valpolicella Classico, Soave Classico… Why do all these Italian wine regions have the Classico addendum and what does it mean? What is the difference for wines labeled as Classico?

Classico is a wine term in Italy seen on a few wine labels and it indicates that the wine’s from the historic center of the region, the heart. Using Chianti and Chianti Classico and their Sangiovese-based red wines as an example, Chianti is a rather large wine district within the Tuscany region. Chianti Classico is located withing Chianti as the central part and the one that originally existed. Back then this smaller region was actually called Chianti, but as the region grew the quality of the wine plummeted and the well-known characteristics of these red wines were watered down. The reputation took a hit and sales diminished. Eventually this led to the creation of Chianti Classico, which would be drawn from the original Chianti borders to recover the typicity of these wines. Today the quality of both Chianti and Chianti Classico have risen a lot due to modern techniques and knowledge about pruning, planting and temperature control in the winery.

Decoding the wine label: Classico

In the rarefied world of fine wine, where bottles can command prices equivalent to luxury cars, authenticity is everything. Laurent Ponsot's gripping memoir "FBI: Fake Bottle Investigation" reads more like a high-stakes thriller than a traditional wine book, chronicling his relentless pursuit of one of the wine world's most infamous counterfeiters, Rudy Kurniawan.

From Burgundy's Vineyards to the FBI's Most Wanted: A Winemaker's Quest for Justice

Chablis – one of the more popular styles of wine today and a region known by many. Most are familiar with the word Chablis and the light, fresh white wine with a touch of minerality it brings. Even though it’s a renowned wine, few knows what it really is.

Decoding the wine label: Chablis

Many grape varieties around the world of wine have names local to the region or country they’re grown in, even though they’re exactly the same. The most famous example would be Syrah in France where the same grape is named Shiraz in Australia. Another variety with two names is Pinot Grigio, or Pinot Gris.

Decoding the wine label: Pinot Grigio

Have you ever seen the term sur lie on a wine label? It’s not a grape and not a wine region, but a winemaking method used to give certain styles of white wine a rounder texture and a more complex flavor profile.

Decoding the wine label: Sur lie

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Chiado a Portuguese restaurant in Toronto.

Wine List Review of Chiado, Toronto

Michaela Quinlan

Chiado

Chiado:

RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where, in each episode,&nbsp;we will review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I&rsquo;m your host Robert Tas along with Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier.

Hello Michaela,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to be back together for another episode.

MQ: Hi Robert!

RT: Before we jump in, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules.

We created CorkRules to demystify wine lists because we know from experience, that sometimes when we get that list handed to us, well&hellip; it can be intimidating, and even a little daunting.

Our aim is to help prepare you to navigate that list, find those hidden gems, or value wines or that special bottle that will take your dining experience over the top.

RT:&nbsp;So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

RT: Today we are talking about Chiado. This Toronto restaurant showcases &ldquo;Progressive Portuguese&rdquo; cuisine in a bold and modern style. Open for lunch and dinner, Chiado is the place for corporate events, private functions, and special events.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: Chiado features a number of Old World and New World classics, along with a stellar list of Port. We have an exciting selection of wines specifically from Portugal for you today.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: Let&rsquo;s begin with a red blend from the Dao region of Portugal with the 2017 Quinta de Pellada, Quints de Saes Reserva. This dry, medium to full-bodied red blend, made predominately of Touriga Nacional, showcases ripe cranberries, red cherries, with smoke, earth, and notes of vanilla on the finish from its time spent aging in oak. A perfect companion to savory dishes and lightly sauced proteins.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: Heading to the Douro of Portugal, another red blend to consider would be the 2015 D. Graca Reserva. This full-bodied blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz features rich flavors and aromas of ripe blackberries, black cherries, white pepper, sage, and smoke. This is your got-to pairing for richly sauced proteins and pasta.

RT: So Michaela, their list seems to have lots of range but was there anything that you would say is a &ldquo;must-try&rdquo;?

MQ: We have noted a few great reds, now it is time to feature a standout white wine from Northern Portugal. Consider the 2018 Alves de Sousa, Branco da Gaivosa. This Malvasia Fina blend is medium bodied, dry, and features aromas and flavors of lime zest, mandarin orange, ripe melon, with notes of vanilla on the creamy finish due to the brief time in oak. Pair this white wine with shellfish and seafood.

RT: These are some great calls. So you know I&rsquo;m getting thirsty and will need to order a bottle with my dinner, where would you guide us?

MQ: Another red wine to note for the table is the 2010 Camplargo Baga from Northern Portugal. The Baga grape is bold, full-bodied, and features ripe raspberries and ripe plums with notes of lilac, licorice, earth and sage. The age has softened the round tannins on the long finish. Another perfect pairing for richly sauced proteins and pasta.

RT: Ooh, Terrific. &nbsp;Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind...&nbsp; any other great value wines you&rsquo;d point us to?&nbsp;

MQ: The region of Vinho Verde in Portugal brings us the 2020 Esporao Bico Amarelo. This light, dry, white wine showcases bright acidity and minerality with notes of citrus, ripe, green apple, with notes of white flowers and saline on the finish. This white wine of excellent quality and value makes a wonderful companion to shellfish, seafood, and soft cheese.

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

MQ: An excellent quality and value wine from Southern Portugal is the 2016 Cortes de Cima blend of Syrah, Aragones, Cabernet Sauvignon, Touriga Nacional, and Petit Verdot. This incredible red blend showcases aromas and flavors of ripe plum, fig, ripe blackberries, and cassis, with notes of vanilla and cinnamon on the finish. A smooth, full-bodied red wine to pair with richly sauced proteins.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

&nbsp;MQ: The 1975 Quinta do Noval &ldquo;Nacional&rdquo; Vintage Port of the Duoro Valley of Northern Portugal. Keep in mind that only 2% of port production ever reaches the quality to declare a vintage. Dating back to 1715, Noval has been known as an innovative producer of varying styles of port. This exceptional vintage exudes aromas and flavors of honey, figs, and raisins with vanilla and prune on the finish. Enjoy each sip as you extend your visit to Chiado and special occasion.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Chiado&rsquo;s wine list. I can&rsquo;t wait to go try them myself.&nbsp;

To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules.

If you would like us to review one of your favorite restaurants, please send us email to: <a href="mailto:Info@corkrules.Com">Info@CorkRules.Com</a> or visit our web website where we have a request form available and we will do our best to get it in the queue as quickly as possible.

We are looking forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon. In the meantime, please check out our website for other episodes of your favorite restaurant wine lists.&nbsp;

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

&nbsp;

Thank you.

&nbsp;

End

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

BRAT

Bocca di Lupe

Gap Weekend: A Film Shoot in Wine Country

Alba Restaurant

Alba

10 Greek Street

L'Auberge Chez Francois

Andrew Edmunds

Salt Seafood and Oyster Bar

Matteos Ristorante Italiano

Matteo's

Domaine Franck Millet is a family-owned winery located in the heart of Sancerre, known for producing some of the best Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir wines in the region. With a history dating back to 1850, the winery has been passed down through generations of the Millet family, who have continued to uphold the winery's commitment to quality and tradition.

Smart art deco restaurant/bar with a casual vibe & an open kitchen serving modern French food.

Viva Garcia

Brera Osteria

Buddy V's

Yardbird

CHICA Las Vegas

Chica

Bar Zazu

Hell's Kitchen, Las Vegas

Brera

Jasmine

homepage

CorkRules application allows you to discover wines at your favorite restaurants, learn with friends and be confident with price transparency. Order wine with confidence at restaurants and retailers. Get personalized recommendations. #DrinkWhatYouLove

L'Hotel Gitan

Luis Cañas

Rioja Reserva 2016

Tempranillo

Rioja, Spain

Bodegas Luis Canas Gran Reserva 2016

Rioja, Spain

1887

Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot - Cabernet Franc NV

Blend

Central Valley, Chile

Clotilde Davenne

Irancy 2019

Blend

Irancy, Burgundy, France

Clotilde Davenne Chablis, France, Burgundy, Chablis 2021

Chardonnay

Chablis, Burgundy, France

Louis Roederer

Brut Premier Champagne NV

Chardonnay

Champagne, France

Louis Roederer

Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne (Vintage) 2016

Chardonnay

Champagne, France

Domaine Belle

Hermitage Rouge 2018

Merlot

Hermitage, Rhone, France

Heathcote Estate, Shiraz, Heathcote 2021

Victoria, Australia

Ash Ridge

Alti Riesling 2016

Riesling

Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Yangarra

Grenache Rose, McLaren Vale 2020

McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia

Yangarra

Shiraz NV

Shiraz/Syrah

McLaren Vale, Australia

Bonnet-Huteau

Nuit Boreale 2012

Blend

Loire Valley, France

Barone Montalto

Acquerello Pinot Grigio 2021

Pinot Grigio

Sicily, Italy

Ricca Terra

Bullets Before Cannonballs 2021

Blend

Riverland, Australia