Chateau Le Merle
2009 White Graves Bordeaux
White Bordeaux
France: Bordeaux
Mission Briefing
Gravel, clay and sand
Today’s 2009 Chateau Le Merle White Graves Burgundy is such a lovely wine that our tasting panel could not get enough of it. We were unanimous in our hearty recommendation.
The nose indicates that this wine will be very fleshy, but there is more flavor and structure here than we expected.
A quality wine with a broad appeal, this wine is a wonderful solo-sipper. However, you’ll find that it is exceptionally flexible and very food-friendly.
Pair with a fresh crab and shrimp salad with minced herbs or a selections of fresh oysters. We also think that it would work beautifully with lobster bisque or lobster rolls.
Tasting Profile
| Look: | Brilliant golden yellow hues with edges that catch the light. Rich-looking in the glass, when this wine is swirled, it clings to the inside of the bowl. |
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| Smell: | Aromatic and rich with layers of aromas, including fresh Meyer lemon, poached pear, caramel, green fig, bright, and citrus zest. As the wine breathes, at reveals a stemmy and earthy quality. |
| Taste: | Lemon thyme stands out on the palate, but this flavor is subtle. Meyer lemon, cherval, pink grapefruit peel and toast give the wine are supported by the viscous, laser-focused acid. Lightweight on entry, the wine gains fullness at the mid-palate. |
| Finish: | Cleansing, with an intriguing minerality. The finish is long and flavorful with lush fruit and mineral flavors that are supported by the viscosity of the wine. |
| Pairing: |
What the Winery Says
The vineyard is planted with sauvignon blanc and muscadelle. The vinification is traditional.
Beautiful straw-yellow color with green highlights and a fruity, floral bouquet. Starts out round, yet pleasantly crisp on the palate. Good volume and balance with hints of flowers and honey that continue into a delicious aftertaste.
Chateau Le Merle is best enjoyed chilled. It makes an ideal aperitif or accompaniment to white meat and fish (grilled salmon, seafood au gratin, seafood sauteed in olive oil, trout with almonds, salmon marinated with dill, or grilled sea bass).
Appellation
Bordeaux
Alcohol
12%
About the Winery
The vast Graves appellation, located on the left bank of the Garonne River, south of Bordeaux, is protected from ocean winds by a large pine forest. The name “Graves” is very old, designating a region between the river and the trees. In fact, the appellation’s name comes from its soil. The terroir in the Graves consists of gravel (graves = gravel) or pebbles covered with silt.