White Bordeaux or Bordeaux Blanc account for only 10% of Bordeaux wine production. However, since 2000, white wine production in Bordeaux has increased 50%. Bordeaux Blanc can be separated into two distinct types of wine. Dry and Sweet.

The most famous white blend is made up of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.

Sauternes and Barsac are best known for their sweet wine production. Sauternes normally use Botrytized wines. It is known as “noble rot”.

Semillon – is the most planted white wine grape in Bordeaux and gives the wine body, weight, creamy texture, and sometimes honey and beeswax.

Sauvignon Blanc – gives the wine acidity and crispness. It adds the zesty citrus, green apple, and herbaceousness.

Muscadelle – Used in smaller amounts to add floral, fruitiness, honeysuckle, and spice. Bordeaux is located just off the Atlantic coast. It is slightly inland, but still has a maritime climate; the further you go inland, the more continental the climate becomes.

Decanter Magazine wrote in a 2025 article that white wine from Bordeaux is gaining in popularity.

Look for these white wine regions. The Entre-deux-Mers (between two seas) is the area between the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Because of its location, it has a cooler climate and produces higher acid wines. Two other top areas would be Pessac-Leognan and Graves.

Tonight, we are tasting:

1. 2023 Chateau Ducasse Bordeaux. The wine is a blend of approximately 70% Semillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc. It may include a small amount of Muscadelle. I purchased from Gateway Market for $18. The wine is unfiltered and aged in stainless steel for 6 months. Comes from clay and limestone soils. Bone dry, maybe a hint of tropical fruit on the nose. Luscious mouth feel, passion fruit, chalk, and acidity. Has a hint of lime and grass. Great with seafood. 12% alcohol.
2. 2024 Honey Moon Viognier. The wine is from California and was purchased at Trader Joe's for $5.99. Aromas of peach, apricot, and honeysuckle, and flavors of honey, mango, and nectar. Pairs with spicy Thai curries, lobster, and roast chicken. The wine has 13% alcohol.

Denise scored them both a 3. I scored the Chateau Ducasse a 4 and the Honey Moon a 3. I found the Chateau Ducasse to have a medium to full body, lots of mineral, and lots of earthiness. It has good acidity and is bright and fruity. The Honey Moon I liked also, especially for the price. It was very fruity with a short finish.

Next week a couple of winery spotlights and talk about hybrid wines.