Bordeaux continues to struggle to gain traction with younger drinkers, with many thinking of it as the wine of past generations.
But listen up, kids. Some of the best values in wine today are from this region in southwestern France that brought us Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and other classic varieties that are grown and celebrated around the world.
And this includes white Bordeaux, which, like the reds, offers countless choices for $20 and under. Today, we’re weeding through the pack to highlight a few standouts.
But first, just what is white Bordeaux, or Bordeaux blanc? The wines fall under a number of appellations, from the most generic “Bordeaux” to more specific areas such as Graves, Entre-Deux-Mers, and Péssac-Leognan, with the latter producing some of the region’s most acclaimed white wines.
The wines are usually blends of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and the lesser-known Muscadelle, although some are made as single-variety bottlings of these grapes.
White Bordeaux wines typically have moderate levels of alcohol (12 to 13 percent or so) and can be aged with or without oak. Most in the under-$20 range are meant for drinking within a year or two of release.
They don’t scream out at you — unlike, say, the aggressive Sauvignon Blancs of New Zealand, the mineral-driven wines of the Loire Valley, like Sancerre, or those from California with their generous fruit.
White Bordeaux is more subtle and nuanced, with restrained fruit flavors, often citrus, as well as herb and floral notes. They can be enjoyed on their own but shine with a range of dishes as well, especially simple fish, shellfish, sushi, and vegetarian dishes (I can almost taste the wines in my mind with a shrimp and asparagus risotto).
Here are seven of the best white Bordeaux wines to try for $20 and under.
Château La Reine Audry Bordeaux Blanc 2020
When was the last time you enjoyed a $10 wine with considerable complexity and subtlety? This one has a lot going for it, including notes of green apple, strawberry, and orange with hints of honey, flowers, and herbs. It’s unoaked and primarily made from Sémillion with a bit of Sauvignon Blanc.
Price: $10
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Château Graville-Lacoste Graves 2022
This is a first-rate white Bordeaux. It’s also aged in stainless steel but in a slightly richer style that I found irresistible. It’s 60 percent Sémillon, 35 percent Sauvignon Blanc, and 5 percent Muscadelle, with the fuller body coming from the Sémillion. Notes of red delicious apple, herbs, subtle orange, and a nice creamy layer on the finish.
Price: $20
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Château Moulin de Launay Entre-Deux-Mers 2020
This wine is primarily made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in typical clay-limestone soils, which gives it a more racy kick than some. Candied lemon, almond, and subtle vanilla notes are supported by zesty acidity. Another excellent value. (Entre-Deux-Mers, which means “between two seas,” refers to the area between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers.)
Price: $15
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Château Recougne Bordeaux 2021
This wine is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Sauvignon Gris (a pink-skinned Sauvignon Blanc clone that produces wines with a richer character). The flavors suggest lemon, orange, green apple skin, and herbs with a nice cream layer on the finish.
Price: $16
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Château de Fontenille Entre-Deux-Mers 2022
This exquisite wine sets a benchmark for the Entre-Deux-Mers appellation and is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Muscadelle, and Sémillon. It has a perfect balance of fruit and acidity and a roundness and elegance that deliver above its price tag with notes of white peach, subtle citrus, a touch of cream, and a hint of white pepper. I first tasted this wine with owner Stéphane Defraine on a visit to Bordeaux a while back when he was president of the Entre-Deux-Mers winegrowers association. With his 2022 vintage, he continues to excel.
Price: $15
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Château de Cranne Bordeaux Sec 2021
An unusual blend of Sauvignon Gris and Muscadelle, there’s a lot going on in this wine, with white peach and lime flavors, minerals, a hint of saline, and a leesy finish. The winery has been certified organic since 2009.
Price: $20
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Château de Parenchère Bordeaux Blanc Sec 2022
A blend of 70 percent Sauvignon Blanc, 20 percent Sémillon, and 10 percent Muscadelle. This is an elegant and complex white Bordeaux with tropical fruit, herbs, subtle citrus, an almond note, and a hint of baking spices.
Price: $18
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Next up: Loire Valley Pinot Noirs
