The Best White Bordeaux | Wine Enthusiast

When most people hear “Bordeaux” the image that comes to mind is usually hearty, age-worthy red wines that often (but not always) cost a small fortune.

But there’s far more to the area than these big red blends that have become synonymous with the historic French region; it also excels in whites, in dry and sweet forms.

These diverse bottlings are just as worthy of applause as their red-hued brethren. “White Bordeaux should be better known than it is,” says Wine Enthusiast Writer-at-Large Roger Voss, who reviews wines from the region. “The range is wide, from wines under $15 to some sold for more than $200, so there is plenty of choice.”

Made from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle, sometimes with Sauvignon Gris, the flavor profile of Bordeaux’s white blends “varies just as widely,” Voss adds. “From crisp, young wines, dominated by herbal and citrus flavors to serious wood-aged wine that will last for many years.”

As demand for white wine continues to grow—with production up nearly 50% since 2000—Bordelais vintners have found a renewed interest in these lighter styles, too. “The demand, as well as the fashion, is just beginning,” says Voss. “A good sign is how many estates in the Médoc, certainly best known for reds, are also making top quality white wines.”

Though it certainly is a good sign that the famous Left Bank appellation—which is home to some of the highest-rent districts in the wine world—is dedicating time and attention to whites, other areas are just as worthy of exploration, too.

For easy-going styles, Voss points to Entre-deux-Mers. Set between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, its climate is cooler than the rest of Bordeaux, which encourages the acidity in white grapes.

More serious whites are typically found across the Garonne River in the Graves and neighboring Pessac-Léognan regions. “Some of the world’s greatest white wines come from here, many featuring in this selection,” he says.

Regardless of the style or flavor profile you’re seeking, Voss adds, “Now’s a good time to add white Bordeaux to your repertoire and taste another side of Bordeaux.”

Take a look at our top picks below.