With temperatures soaring last week, I started digging through the fridge looking for something crisp and refreshing. I came up with a 2023 Château des Antonins Bordeaux Blanc. We have to remember that Bordeaux isn't just about red wine.
Wait... Bordeaux makes white wine?
When most people hear Bordeaux, they immediately think of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
But Bordeaux also produces some outstanding white wines that deserve far more attention than they receive.
Most dry White Bordeaux wines are blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, combining the bright citrus and freshness of Sauvignon Blanc with the richer texture and roundness of Sémillon. The result is a wine that's balanced, elegant, and incredibly food-friendly.
If you've tried New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and found it a little too grassy, too herbal, to racy, or too intense, don't give up on Sauvignon Blanc altogether.
Instead, find a bottle of White Bordeaux.
In the Glass
The Château des Antonins Bordeaux Blanc 2023 is composed of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Sémillon, a classic Bordeaux Blanc blend.
The wine opens with fresh aromas of citrus and tropical fruit before leading into flavors of:
- Lemon zest
- Tropical fruit
- A hint of straw
- Beautiful minerality
Rather than being loud or aggressively citrus-driven, this wine is refined. The Sémillon softens Sauvignon Blanc's sharper edges, creating a wine that's refreshing without being overly racy.
On a hot summer afternoon, it absolutely hit the spot.
Food Pairings
This is one of those wines that seems to pair with just about everything.
I'd happily serve it with:
- Grilled shrimp
- Goat cheese
- Summer salads
- Grilled chicken with herbs
- Fresh seafood
- Lemon pasta
- Roasted vegetables
- Mild cheeses
It's also perfectly enjoyable all by itself while relaxing on the porch—which is exactly what I did. (We have a great front porch)
Final Thoughts
White Bordeaux may not receive the same attention as Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand but perhaps it should.
It offers freshness without overwhelming acidity, complexity without heaviness, and versatility that makes it one of summer's most underrated wines.
If you're looking to expand your wine horizons—or simply want something refreshing that isn't another glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc—pick up a bottle of White Bordeaux.
This bottle price was under $15. A steel!
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