Bordeaux White Wine From the Entre Deux Mers

Bordeaux white wines can seem somewhat eclipsed by their red sisters but the Entre Deux Mers produces some superb white wines that are well worth looking out for. The Entre Deux Mers means literally "between two seas" and is so called because it's sandwiched between the tidal waters of the Rivers Dordogne and Garonne. The area is responsible for ¾ of the wine sold under the Bordeaux AOC or Bordeaux Supéieur labels.

Wine production in the Entre Deux Mers dates back to Gallo Roman times but owes its development to the Benedictine Monks in the Middle Ages. The monks in the monasteries enlarged the vineyard areas, worked at improving the cultural methods and assured the fame of their vintages whilst also insuring the growth of their wealth.

The vineyards lie on clay-limestone soils and are distinguished by a thirst-quenching freshness and aromas of citrus, yellow flowers and exotic fruits such as melon and passion fruit. The predominant grape variety is Sauvignon Blanc but Semillon and Muscadelle are sometimes used to add structure and depth. The Sauvignon Blanc gives a sharp keen wine with strong aromas. It brings to the nose very fresh citrus fruit smells, like grapefruit but is underlined by those other wild plants such as acacia flower, gorse and boxwood. The Semillon offers notes of spring flowers, pears, peaches and a smooth roundness in the mouth. The Muscadelle, floral and fruity too, contributes to the aromatic complexity of the Entre Deux Mers wines with perfumes of acacia blossom, flowers, raisins and its honied sweet flavour.

Recommended White Wines

Chateau Laures 2006 (£6.60) made from 60% Semillon, 30% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Muscadelle. Laures is an outstanding white wine from the tiny ancient commune of Gornac and the vineyards that it comes from are centuries old. The château has been owned by the same family for many generations and the estate has a reputation for "Tradition and Quality" and this superb offering is no exception.

Laures is golden in colour and truly is a beautifully presented wine with loads of fruity aromas and intense fruit and honey in the mouth. It is full of elegance and will be thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated by white wine lovers. Because of its structure this wine will lend itself to a wide range of foods from Salads and Fish through to any White Meat. Very enjoyable on its own but will enhance the appreciation of many meals through its elegance and quality.

Chateau Sainte Marie 2004 (£6.35) made from 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Semillon. Sainte Marie is a marvellous find and offers characteristics normally associated with much more expensive bottles.

Sainte Marie is a beautiful pale golden colour with brilliant tints, and is characterised by great aromatic power with the fragrances of lemon, lime and grapefruit, and hints of elderflower. It is perfectly balanced on the palate offering a well structured and a long lasting, complex finish. This is an ideal compliment to Oysters and Shellfish. It is equally delightful with Roquefort Cheese, Asparagus and Avocado. Alternatively it makes an excellent aperitif served nicely chilled as it's less dry than most.


Chateau Tour Chapoux 2006 (£5.14) made from 70% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Semillon, 10% Muscadelle. Tour Chapoux hails from Saint Antoine du Queyret, right in the heart of the Entre Deux Mers. It's a fabulous pale yellow, crisp, bright white wine and is light and subtle with the fragrances of summer fruits and flowers. The Château is owned by the Comin family who have been there since 1884. The Knights of St John of Jerusalem founded a Commandery at Saint Antoine du Queyret in the early 13th century. These soldier monks were also fine connoisseurs of wine and it is assumed that they chose to grow vines there due to the quality of the area.

The Entre Deux Mers wines are often drunk young and as aperitifs they refresh the palate and open the appetite. Tour Chapoux is the perfect complement for seafood dishes, oysters and shellfish - the freshness of the wine uplifts the iode taste and softens the salt produced by the sea. It also goes well with charcuterie, chicken and goat cheeses.

Domaine de Ricaud 2005 (£5.37) made from 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillon. This wine is made by the Chainge family who have been wine makers for several generations. Régis Chaigne joined the family business in 1992 and Domaine de Ricaud and Château Ballan-Larquette are the family's traditional vineyards but they have added to these with the purchase of Château Peynaud when the wine maker there retired without successors.

The vineyard is in a tiny village called Cantois which takes its name comes from the Latin “Cantus” - meaning Song Bird. The countryside is dotted with tiny farms and ancient buildings so that you feel as if you have stepped back in time.

Domaine de Ricaud gives other more prestigious and expensive white wines a run for their money. The aromas from this slightly pale, golden coloured, slightly pearlante, easy drinking white, are all of ripe soft fruits and summer blossoms. It has complex flavours of juicy apricots and exotic fruits. Bold and long on the palate, balanced and harmonious in the mouth it has well balanced acidity and one glass will simply not be enough! It will drink very nicely on its own or with an array of dishes such as Shellfish, Chicken, Pork, Omelettes, Asparagus Flans, Smoked Salmon etc . . . the list goes on!

So if your palate suits a good balance of fruit, acidity and freshness, a white wine the Entre Deux Mers region could well satisfy your needs especially when you are looking for a good white wine to have with a meal.