Wines Graves Château Le Bonnat - 2007

Viniou Reviews

Château Le Bonnat 2007 is a white wine hailing from the prestigious Graves appellation in Bordeaux, France. As a demi-sec wine, it offers a touch of sweetness balanced by its acidity, making it particularly elegant. Although the specific grape varieties in the blend aren't listed, Graves whites typically marry Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and occasionally Muscadelle. The 2007 vintage, a challenging one in Bordeaux due to cool and wet conditions, resulted in wines with refined acidity and intriguing complexity. The terroir of Graves, known for its gravelly soils over limestone and clay, imparts a unique mineral character to its wines, contributing to their distinct personality.

The Graves region, historically one of the oldest winemaking areas in Bordeaux, benefits from a temperate maritime climate. This climate, coupled with its soil composition, provides ideal conditions for the cultivation of both white and red Bordeaux grape varieties. The name "Graves" itself is derived from the gravelly terrain that is particularly conducive to viticulture, helping to enhance drainage and benefiting from the reflective warmth of the stones.

For pairing, this demi-sec wine would align beautifully with dishes that balance delicate flavours and light sweetness. Consider pairing it with foie gras, a classic regional dish, where the richness of the foie gras complements the wine's natural sweetness and acidity. It would also be an excellent companion to roasted poultry with apple or pear compote, or a creamy risotto with Parmesan. For dessert, try it with tarte tatin or other fruit-based pastries.

To fully appreciate the characteristics of Château Le Bonnat 2007, serving it chilled is crucial. A service temperature of approximately 10-12°C will ensure that its floral aromas, subtle stone fruit flavours, and underlying minerality are expresively present and enjoyable for the palate.