Chateau Martinon Bordeaux Blanc 21

The Entre-deux-Mers, which literally translates to "between two seas," is a wine region nestled between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers in Bordeaux AOC of Southwestern France. This area is rich in winemaking tradition and history, with evidence of viticulture dating back to Roman times. Wine production in the Entre-deux-Mers has perhaps been overshadowed by its more famous Left Bank neighbors specializing in reds; however, I believe the best deals for white Bordeaux reside in the Right Banks's Entre-deux-Mers.

The landscape in the Entre-deux-Mers is dotted with historic estates and vineyards, offering a broad range of wines, including reds, rosés, and whites. Over the years, the region has developed a distinct reputation for white wine production, largely thanks to its unique combination of maritime climate and the mix of limestone, clay, and gravel soils.

Château Martinon is a small family-owned estate near the Entre-deux-Mers village of Gornac. The estate is steeped in history that stretches back several generations, and local records show that the family's vineyard has been active for more than a century. The estate is owned by Jérôme Trolliet, who serves as proprietor and winemaker. He has garnered quite a bit of respect among local vignerons for his traditional winemaking approach and his willingness to experiment with modern techniques.

Château Martinon Bordeaux Blanc is one of the estate's flagship wines, and I find it to be a textbook expression of white Bordeaux from Entre-deux-Mers. I would call this "Old-School White Bordeaux" since it features a blend of 60% Sémillon, 30% Sauvignon Blanc, and 10% Muscadelle. The dominant Sémillon furnishes the wine with a rich, rounded mouthfeel, the Sauvignon Blanc adds lift, aromatic intensity, and zesty acidity, with the Muscadella providing just a whisper of floral notes.

In your glass, Château Martinon Bordeaux Blanc greets you with inviting aromas of green apple, pear, and honeysuckle, accompanied by subtle hints of citrus and herbs. Ripe peach, melon, and tropical fruits lead the way on the palate, finishing with just the right amount of citrusy zip. The lengthy finish is balanced by a gentle underpinning of minerality, alluding to the region's limestone and clay soils.

When it comes to food pairings, this Sémillon-centric white Bordeaux is incredibly versatile. Its ripe, fruity character and balanced acidity make it an excellent match for a wide range of cuisines. It pairs wonderfully with grilled white-fleshed fish and shrimp and perfectly complements lighter meats like chicken, turkey, and vegetarian dishes. I would also pair this with the more "difficult" foods like asparagus and artichokes.