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Our Bel-Air was founded in 1716 on the foothills of the Garonne River in the western most area in Entre-Deux-Mers. In 1898 the chateaux was purchased by Martin Borderie. Today his great-great-grandson, Roland Coiffe runs the chateaux. Its former owners had interests in Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou and Grand Puy Lacoste, two of Bordeaux finest classified growths.
Most Bordeaux Blanc is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon with the Sauvignon Blanc taking the lead. We generally don't see a wine crafted of 100% Semillon, as is our selection. The two grapes are genetically similar with Sauvignon Blanc providing most of the acidity, a major component in the mix. Semillon is the main grape in Sauternes, where unparalleled dessert wine is king. However, when it is fashioned on its own, it shows its myriad colors with fig and apricot components matching the lemon elements and add a fine acidity.
Bel-Air is in the Cadillac appellation, which is very unique in Bordeaux as it is famous for both dry and dessert wines. It can make dessert wines that rival Sauternes at a fraction of the price, but also lovely dry whites like our selection. You are immediately struck by the golden color, which could signal that the wine was aged in oak but thankfully wasn't. The aromas are light but present leading to a palate that seems light, but its persistence belies its lightness. The fig and pear notes shine through and its dramatic finish beckons a shrimp pasta with serrano mint pesto or lobster in drawn butter.
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