Chateau Carbonnieux - Pessac Leognan - White 2018

Wine Region: Bordeaux - France

Grape: 70% Sauvignon - 30% Semillon

Tasting notes: A beautiful pale yellow colour with a slightly green tint. The first nose is fresh, revealing the fine lemon tones of the Sauvignon grape variety in its youth. After aeration, the wine presents the delicate notes of white flowers. On the palate, the attack is marked by an acidity worthy of the great fresh terroirs of the property in spite of a rather warm dry vintage. After, the wine is full round bodied giving a very interesting balance on the palate with aromas of grilled hazelnuts reminiscent of the unctuous Semillon. 2018 has given a balanced wine with a fine concentration of aromas and an outstanding style for the vintage.

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. When young, Carbonnieux white wines are delightfully refreshing and pure with a fruity, floral intensity. When mature they develop hints of dried and candied fruits giving scope for a large range of gastronomic pairings. 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.

Expert Rating: Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 90/100
"Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Carbonnieux leaps from the glass with vibrant notes of baked blackberries, warm cassis, preserved plum and lavender with touches of Indian spices, forest floor and dried sage. Full-bodied, firm and grainy, the generous fruit has loads of bright, vibrant sparks plus a great line of freshness, finishing mineral tinged."

Wine and food pairing : raw or cooked fish, seafood, foie gras, white meat, exotic dishes, cheese, fruit desserts…

About the winery: 
Chateau Carbonnieux is located in Leognan in the heart of Pessac-Leognan AOC. Chateau Carbonnieux has a long and extensive history in the Bordeaux wine appellation. In fact, it’s one of the oldest estates in the entire Bordeaux wine region with a history dating back to the 12th century! The estate takes its name from the Carbonnieu family, who owned the property in 1234. In those days, the vineyard was used to produce wine for religious purposes.