Bordeaux White Wines: Guide to Entre-deux-Mers

White wines are an important wine of Bordeaux, although you may be more apt to associate France's Bordeaux region with the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot reds. Entre-Deux-Mers is known for its primary Sauvignon grape variety. The Entre-Deux-Mers appellation, is translated as "between two seas," as the area is situated between two Bordeaux rivers. Although the area is contained between the two rivers, the landscape and soil composition is variable, contributing to an array of wine Entre-Deux-Mers styles.

The Land

Entre-Deux-Mers vineyards are located between two Bordeaux rivers, the Dorgonne and the Garonne. The vines grow in clay-limestone soils, clay and limestone and the grapes exude elements of citrus. Time appears to have stopped in some areas, where you willl find castles, forts and historic religious structures including churches, but the wines of the Entre-Deux-Mers appellation have progressed.

Entre-Des-Mers

Entre-Des-Mers is an AOC wine, which falls into the Dry White Wine group, one of the six ways the 57 appellations of AOC wines are grouped. Other appellations in this group include Blaye, Bordeaux & Bordeaux Sec, Côtes de Bourg, Crémant de Bordeaux, Entre-Deux-Mers-Haut-Benauge, Graves, Pessac-Léognan, Premières Côtes de Blaye and Graves de Vayres, producing eight percent of 8 percent of Bordeaux wines.

Sauvignons and Semilon and Entre-Des-Mers

The main grape variety in Entre-Des-Mers Bordeaux wines is Sauvignon. Sauvignon's favorite companion, in Bordeaux varietals and blends is Semillon. The Entre-Des-Mers wine is smooth, dry and aromatic. These white Bordeaux wines tend to be light enough to pair with picnic foods, light meals, or summertime dinners.

Château Lestrille 2007

Château Lestrille 2007 from the Entre-Deux-Mers appellation is a Bordeaux varietal comprised of 90 percent Sauvignon blanc. There are equal parts of Muscadelle and Semillon in the bottle. Pair it with a vegetarian dish created with pasta tossed with fresh garlic and olive oil. It may also be served with a goat cheese at a wine and cheese party, or during a cheese course. This white Bordeaux wine retails for $10.99.

Muscadelle and Entre-Des-Mers

Entre-Des-Mers wines sometimes include the Muscadelle grape variety. Not to be confused with the Muscat variety, Muscadelle adds aroma to white blends.

Château Nicot 2007

The Château Nicot 2007 is a white Bordeaux blend with Sauvignon blanc (40%), Semillon (40%) and Muscadelle (20%) which livens up a romantic oyster appetizer, or a traditional antipasti. It may also be served with seafood entrees or egg-based dishes. The Château Nicot 2007 retails for $104.55.

Château Bonnet 2007

Château Bonnet 2007 is another white Bordeaux blend from the Entre-Des-Mers appellation, with Sauvignon blanc (50%), Semillon (40%) and Muscadelle (20%). It retails for $10-$14 depending on the distributor. Château Bonnet 2007 can stand on its own, as a casual wine for a small gathering, or for winding down before down. Serve it with a salad and creamy dressing, or with a seafood entree.

Entre-Deux-Mers Chateau Laubarit 2007

Entre-Deux-Mers Chateau Laubarit 2007 blends Semillon, Sauvignon and Muscadelle into a fruity Bordeaux white that begs to be served alongside seafood. This Entre-Deux-Mers wine retails for $15 and is organic.

Sources:

Bordeaux, http://www.bordeaux.com
Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB), http://www.bordeaux.com
Wine Varietals, It's All About the Grapes, http://www.wine-tastings-guide.com/wine-varietals.html
57 Bordeaux Appellations and their Grape Varieties, http://www.nicks.com.au/index.aspx?link_id=76.1482
Bordeaux, http://www.austincc.edu/bhay/BORDEAUX.doc, Austin Community College
The Wine Atlas, http://www.wineatlas.org/bordeaux-wine/index.html
Planete Bordeaux, http://www.planete-bordeaux.net/en