2020 Château Carbonnieux Blanc Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

Château Carbonnieux white is a legendary wine. It is said that in the 18th century it was introduced to the Sultan of Constantinople’s palace because of its clarity and was called “mineral water from Carbonnieux”, thus defying the Islamic law. The clay–limestone of Garonne gravel found in the Pessac-Léognan Appellation certainly produces the best dry white wines in the Bordeaux region.

Grapes for this wine were hand sorted and barrel fermented. They aged on the lees for 10 months in 25% new oak barrels. The blend is 65% Sauvignon Blanc and 35% Semillon.

The batches which will form part of this “cru classé” will be blended so as to induce an excellent complicity between the grape varieties. The chosen Semillon grapes will add structure to the liveliness of the Sauvignon grapes by giving them roundness and volume on the palate.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Chateau Carbonnieux is an estate with a long history. In 1786, Thomas Jefferson went on a grand tour of France to discover its vineyards. His diary shows that he came to Carbonnieux. He also left his mark by planting an American pecan tree in the Château park. This tree, over two centuries old, still takes pride in place in the inner courtyard today.

In 1959, when the Grands Crus of the Graves were officially classified, Chateau Carbonnieux was classified along with 16 Graves Crus all within the current Pessac-Léognan appellation. Thanks to the exceptional potential of its terroir, Château Carbonnieux was classified both for red and white wines.

The Chateau Carbonnieux terroir is remarkable for its structure and the diversity of its soils. There's clay, gravel, sand and limestone in various locations on the estate, each plot has a name that gives it a unique identity and guarantees it special attention and personalized care.