Château Graville Lacoste Graves Sémillon 2023

Château Ducasse stands as a testament to meticulous winemaking in the heart of Bordeaux's most prestigious white wine territory. Located southeast of Bordeaux in the Barsac region, this estate has been in the hands of the Dubourdieu family since 1890, with Hervé Dubourdieu now leading the property alongside his other holdings, including Château Graville-Lacoste and the renowned Sauternes estate Roûmieu-Lacoste.

Hervé Dubourdieu exemplifies precision and perfectionism in French winemaking. Known for his modest disposition and ferocious attention to detail, he maintains his vineyards and winery in absolutely immaculate condition. His property sits strategically across from the Sauternes First Growth Château Climens, sharing similar calcareous clay soils over fissured rock, peppered with red iron, white limestone, and grey flint gravel.

What distinguishes Château Ducasse from other Bordeaux Blanc producers is Dubourdieu's commitment to old Sémillon vines, some over 50 years old. While many producers have shifted toward Sauvignon Blanc dominance, Hervé celebrates Sémillon as his primary variety, comprising 60% of his blend along with Sauvignon Blanc and a splash of Muscadelle. These mature vines, originally intended for Sauternes production, contribute exceptional complexity and richness to his dry white wines.

The estate produces wines that are both fuller-bodied alternatives to typical Sauvignon Blanc and French bistro staples. Dubourdieu's preference for working directly with importers rather than through négociants helps maintain accessible pricing while preserving the exceptional quality that reflects decades of family expertise and terroir expression.

Bordeaux is one of the most renowned wine regions in the world. It is located in the southwest of France. The Gironde River divides the region into the Left Bank and the Right Bank, each with its distinct wine characteristics.

The Left Bank includes the Médoc and Graves regions. The Médoc is famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines. Notable appellations here include Pauillac, Margaux, and Saint-Estèphe. Graves, located south of Médoc, is known for red and white wines, with Pessac-Léognan being a key appellation.

The Right Bank is home to the Libournais region. The most famous areas are Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. Saint-Émilion is known for its Merlot-dominant wines, often blended with Cabernet Franc. Pomerol, though smaller, is highly esteemed for its rich, full-bodied Merlot wines.

Between the two banks lies the Entre-Deux-Mers area, known for its dry white wines. The name means "between two seas," referring to the Garonne and Dordogne rivers that define the region. This area produces Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle grapes.

Bordeaux's climate is maritime, influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. This results in mild winters and warm summers, with ample rainfall that supports viticulture. The region's soils vary, with gravel, limestone, clay, and sand contributing to the diversity of its wines.

Bordeaux wines are often blends. Red Bordeaux, also known as Claret, typically combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. White Bordeaux wines may blend Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle.

The region is also famous for its sweet wines, particularly from Sauternes and Barsac. These wines are made from grapes affected by noble rot, which concentrates their sugars and flavors. Bordeaux has a long history of wine production, dating back to Roman times. It continues to be a benchmark for quality and style in the wine world.