100% Sauvignon Blanc sourced from silty, clay soils in northern Blaye of Bordeaux, giving intensity and aromatics, as well as clay-limestone in north-east and south-east Entre Deux Mers, which provides depth and complexity. It is fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel and spends six months ageing on its lees for added balance and finesse.
The only Bordeaux brand recommended by Robert Parkerin his Bordeaux Wine Buying Guide The Wine List , Matthew Jukes : Top 250 Wines of the Year “Crisp, refreshing, cleansing, lively, dry, zesty and fun – well done Dourthe for bringing this cheeky, ripe Sauvignon Blanc to our attention. We need more light-hearted, happy-go-lucky French whites, and this bottle certainly gives cheap Sancerre a good kicking !”
One of the more skilled and quality-wine aware Bordeaux merchants” Jane Macquitty, The Times
“the very model of a modern Bordeaux merchant” Margaret Rand, Harpers
“Highly dynamic négociant house, Dourthe” Robert Joseph, Good Wine Guide 2
“Only the adventurous Dourthe has made an effort... again Dourthe has taken the lead” Steven Spurrier, Decanter
“The only Bordeaux merchant with a balanced business, combining a widely respected brand, Dourthe N° 1, the financial capacity to mature a wide range of wines and the marketing strength to sell them internationally” Nick Faith, The Winemasters of Bordeaux
Pierre Dourthe launched this company as a wine merchant back in 1840, but it was the fourth generation, André and Roger, who began purchasing vineyards and properties in Bordeaux. It now manages 500 hectares of vines.
During the 20th century, as well as acquiring various Bordeaux properties – such as Château Belgrave in the Haut-Médoc, Château La Garde in Pessac-Léognan, Château le Boscq in Saint-Estèphe and Château Pey La Tour – the company launched a number of successful wine ranges, including Dourthe No. 1.
One of the few to play the dual role of owner/grower and negociant, the company operates from state-of-the-art facilities to the highest quality standards, employing the world-renowned Denis Doubourdieu and his team as consultant oenologists.
Dourthe No. 1’s white was launched in 1988, with the red following in 1993, and is the result of a partnership between Dourthe, some talented winemakers and a team of dedicated growers at the company’s partner vineyards. Led by Christophe Olliver, the team has worked together to create a distinctive, complex style, obtained by blending grapes from different soils.
The white – a 100% sauvignon blanc – is sourced from silty, clay soils in northern Blaye, giving intensity and aromatics, as well as clay-limestone in north-east and south-east Entre Deux Mers, which provides depth and complexity. It is fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel and spends six months ageing on its lees for added balance and finesse.
Don't Pay: $26.00
WBW Rating: 92/100
Closure: Cork
Region: Bordeaux, France
Winemaker: Frederic Bonnafous / Thomas Drouineau
Drink now until: 2021
Alc/Vol: 14 %