3. Domaine du Grand Mayne Reserve Sauvignon/Sémillon 2016
With Sauvignon Blanc being such a famous grape, most producers like to sell it on its own, rather than blend it with other varieties. But Sauvignon Blanc can be used to create fantastic white wines when blended with other varieties. Among a range of grapes, the most common partner for Sauvignon Blanc is Semillon, and it is the combination of these two varieties that’s be basis for Bordeaux blanc – the delicious, fine white equivalent of the red blends of this famous French appellation.
Such wines, particularly when hailing from Bordeaux sub-regions Graves and Pessac-Leognan, are barrel-fermented and aged, similar to white Burgundy, to create rich and age-worthy white wines.
Top Bordeaux blancs can be extremely expensive, but, because our recommendation falls outside the boundaries of this famous region – it hails from the nearby Côtes de Duras – it’s relatively affordable.
Made like a great Graves, Domaine du Grand Mayne Réserve is a blend of Sauvignon and Sémillon that has been aged in new French oak, ensuring it has a subtle vanilla character, along with the grape-sourced flavours of pineapple, peach and a touch of green pea.
Wine: Réserve Sauvignon/Sémillon
Vintage: 2016
Region: Côtes de Duras
Country: France
Made by: Domaine du Grand Mayne
Medal: Gold – The Global Sauvignon Blanc Masters 2019
Approximate retail price (UK): £15
