Before World War II, most of the wine produced in Bordeaux was white wine, but the Bordeaux region is more commonly known for the production of medium-bodied reds and sweet roses. White Bordeaux wines can be paired with a number of white meats including chicken, quail and turkey, as well as with pork chops, ham and veal. Here are some recommended food and wine pairings of eight white Bordeaux wines:
1. 2008 Chateau Ballan-Larquette
This crisp and mild-flavored white wine is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The mild citrus flavors and light-bodied wine make this a great wine to serve year round. This white Bordeaux retails for $14.99 on Bevmo.com.
Recommended food and wine pairings: Pork, seafood, white sauce pasta dishes, meat-based salads and roasted turkey or chicken.
2. 2003 Chateau Coutet Barsac
Famous for its intense apple, honey and mace flavors, this white Bordeaux is a medium-sweet but full-bodied wine that is a good match for beginner wine drinkers. It has hints of spice that can balance out any honey-based dish.
Recommended food and wine pairings: Salads with vinaigrette, light meats, imported cheese and some pasta dishes
3. 2005 Chateau Climens Barsac
This white Bordeaux is very sweet and boasts a long finish with hints of toffee, lemon and tropical fruit. This is a good French wine to serve as an aperitif, or to add to your cocktails party drinks list. This white Bordeaux retails for $71.99 at Bevmo.com.
Recommended food and wine pairings: Salads, light appetizers, cheese plates, dessert
4. 2006 Whitehall Lane Winery and Vineyards
This white Bordeaux is a blend of 62% Sauvignon Blanc and 38% Semillon and boasts hints of melon, grapefruit, peach and other citrus fruits. This white wine has a smoky finish and is a crisp, full-bodied wine that can be enjoyed with many meat and seafood dishes. This wine retails for $17.99 on Geerwade.com.
Recommended food and wine pairings: Light poultry, vegetarian dishes, salmon, pasta, shellfish, light fish, cream sauces
5. 2003 Brown Blanc
This white Bordeaux is a full-bodied wine with hints of pear, apple and vanilla. The long finish makes this a good match for lighter meat dishes, but this wine can also be served as an aperitif or with dessert.This wine retails for $35 on 2020wines.com.
Recommended food and wine pairings: Shellfish, light fish, cream sauces, light poultry, dessert
6.2005 Rauzan Despagne Blanc
This Bordeaux has a smooth and creamy flavor with hints of spice, toast and citrus fruits. It’s a high quality wine that is surprisingly budget-friendly, retailing for $22 on 2020wines.com.
Recommended food and wine pairings: Salads, dessert, cheese plates, light poultry, cream sauces
7. 2005 Smith-Haut-Lafitte Blanc
If you want to splurge for a special occasion, this white Bordeaux is a complex, full-bodied wine with hints of honey, lemon, honeysuckle, honeyed oranges, red apple and other intense fruit flavors. It’s best after 2010 and can be consumed over the next two decades. This wine retails for $125 on 2020wines.com.
Recommended food and wine pairings: Dessert, cheese plates, salads, light white meats, seafood
8. 2005 Lynch-Bages Blanc de Lynch Bages
A white Bordeaux that’s famous for its powerful, fruity flavor, this thick and rich white wine is suitable for the holiday season and other special events. Enjoy this with roasted white meats, seafood dishes and other specialty dishes. This French wine retails for $75 on 2020wines.com.
Recommended food and wine pairings: Light white meats, seafood, shellfish, cream based dishes, imported cheese
Sources:
www.nytimes.com/2008/07/30/dining/30pour.html
www.wineinquirer.com
