Bordeaux Blanc, 2018. Chateau Fonfroide

Since 1676 Chateau Fonfroide has belonged to a single family. Located on a hillside in Coubeyrac, overlooking the left bank of the Durezes brook, which flows from a fresh water spring. The location and architecture of Chateau Fonfroide with its wide inner courtyard and ornate fountains, is unique in Bordeaux. The Chateau's cellar, just off from the main courtyard, has been used to store wine in the perfect environment since 1777.

Three-hundred years after the Chateau was established, Bernard Dutheillet de Lamothe assumed leadership of the family business and began the process of modernizing the estate. His son Hughes joined him in 1988 and has extended the vineyards from 20 hectares in 1991 to the 70 hectares the estate cultivates today, allowing them to produce a greater variety of wines and export them beyond France. With a rich, vine friendly clay and limestone soil, Chateau Fonfroide produces a range of red, white, and rose Bordeaux wines. The estate practices traditional vinification, which takes place in temperature regulated vats with strict oxygen control.

This Chateau Fonfroide 2018 wine has a beautiful pale yellow color with a green tint in the glass. The nose is expressive and elegant with tropical fruits notes. On the palate, it is fresh and well balanced with a pleasant finish. It pairs perfectly with appetizers, light summer fare and seafood such as scallop brochette, salmon tartare, and even spicier Asian inspired dishes. This wine will also complement dishes with tarragon, asparagus or a shaved fennel with capers, parsley, and citrus. Serve it chilled and enjoy now or in a year or two as the profile develops.

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