Wines Graves Château Saint-Robert - Blanc de Château Saint-Robert - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Château Saint-Robert's Cuvée Blanc 2020 is a fine dry white from the Graves appellation in Bordeaux. This wine is generally crafted from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, perhaps with a touch of Muscadelle, capturing the essence of its terroir. The vintage 2020 offers freshness and aromatic intensity, thanks to a relatively warm and sunny year in Bordeaux. The grapes are sourced from gravelly soils, characteristic of Graves, which allow excellent drainage and contribute minerality and finesse to the finished wine. Modern vinification, often with temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, maintains the wine's crispness and preserves delicate fruit and floral aromas, while some producers introduce a limited proportion of oak ageing to add subtle texture and complexity.

Graves, situated on the left bank of the Garonne River, lays claim as one of Bordeaux’s oldest wine-growing areas, with a history traced back to Roman times. The region’s name derives from its distinctive gravel soils, which not only influence the style of its whites but also produce outstanding reds. Graves enjoys a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and warm summers, tempered by Atlantic breezes. The gravel, intermixed with sand and clay, not only ensures good drainage but also stores heat, aiding grape ripening and giving Graves whites their lively, mineral-driven profile.

This Graves blanc is an ideal partner for seafood—think grilled prawns, oysters, or a classic seafood platter, as well as white fish with citrus and herb sauces. Poultry dishes, such as chicken cooked with cream and tarragon, pair beautifully, as do regional specialties like Entre-Deux-Mers grilled lamprey or goat’s cheese. The wine’s crisp acidity and subtle weight also complement Asian cuisine, particularly sashimi or Thai salads.

For serving, chill Château Saint-Robert’s Cuvée Blanc 2020 to 8-10°C to best enjoy its aromatic vivacity and textural elegance. Decanting is not necessary, but let the wine open in the glass for a few minutes to reveal its nuanced bouquet. This wine is lovely now for its vibrancy but can be cellared for two to three years for greater depth.