4AUG03 Domaine de la Grenaudière “Clisson” MUSCADET, Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, Loire Valley, France 2015 (F, O)
4 and 6 bottle levels $21 (member price $18)
85% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Semillon 12.0% ABV
The Dubard family are the proprietors of this rugged Château in the rolling hills of Bergerac, just East of Bordeaux, having purchased it in the late 1970’s. While overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, the wines of Bergerac are quite similar to those of Bordeaux. Rocky clay limestone soil, 20+ year old vines, in a vineyard overlooking the right bank of the Dordogne River, upstream of Saint Émilion. Like other Bergerac/Bordeaux whites, the minority portion of Semillon provides thickness and weight to balance the freshness of the Sauvignon Blanc. Lemon, grapefruit, white flowers, grass, mint. Aged in stainless steel.
Food Pairing Suggestions:
The tart green character of this wine allows you liberty to tie into other green things like lime, avocado, and asparagus, but plays well with garlic and basil as well. Some ideas for pairings: asparagus chartreuse with spider crab and caviar, truffle omelet, arugula salad with lemon and parmesan, asparagus risotto, English pea ravioli with crab or lobster, angel hair pasta with basil pesto, yellowtail sushi with avocado, white fish – such as cod or halibut with beurre blanc.