Chateau Auney l'Hermitage Graves Blanc 2020

Graves, Bordeaux, France

Chateau Auney l’Hermitage Graves Blanc is a beautiful dry white wine from the Graves region of Bordeaux. Known as Château Le Chec until 2012, when its long-time owners changed the name to Auney l’Hermitage, the estate is run by Sylvie and Christian Auney. They produce two cuvées each of red and white wine, favoring Merlot and Semillon in their respective blends. Graves Blanc and Graves Rouge are the core wines of Auney l’Hermitage. This is the only estate harvesting manually in the commune of La Brède, and as of 2012 the Auneys have undertaken a conversion to certified organic practices.

Chateau Auney l’Hermitage Graves Blanc is a blend of 65% Sémillon, 20% Muscadelle and 15% Sauvignon Blanc from a two-hectare plot of gravely soil rich in clay and limestone. This is a Bordeaux that balances the wooly intensity of Sémillon with the freshness and vivacity of Muscadelle and Sauvignon Blanc. Its notes of pomelo and honeydew melon are supported on a base of chalky minerality. Élevage is done in 4-hl barrels for nine months with regular batonnage. 9,500 bottles per vintage, on average.

Chateau Auney l’Hermitage Graves Blanc pairs perfectly with grilled snapper, roast chicken, summer salads and mild cheeses.