Chateau de Fontenille Blanc, Entre-deux-Mers, France

2024 Château de Fontenille Blanc is a vibrant Entre-Deux-Mers built around Sauvignon Blanc, with Sauvignon Gris, Muscadelle and Sémillon adding aromatic complexity and texture. Citrus, yellow apple, and white peach meet orange blossom, honeysuckle, fresh herbs, and more exotic notes of kiwi and melon. Brief skin contact and cool fermentation preserve aromatic intensity, while aging on the fine lees adds breadth to the palate. Fresh, juicy and gently rounded, it balances ripe fruit with lively acidity and a clean, persistent finish.

Product Details:

• Owners: Macha and Stéphane Defraine
• Grape Varieties: 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Sauvignon Gris, 20% Muscadelle, 10% Sémillon
• Vine Age: Approximately 25 years on average
• Soils: Clay-silica soils with gravel
• Farming: Organic, biodynamic, and sustainable practices
• Skin Contact: 10 to 24 hours
• Fermentation: Low-temperature fermentation at approximately 16°C
• Maturation: Aged on fine lees
• Alcohol: 12.5%

Sensory Description:

Light gold and bright in the glass, with expressive aromas of citrus, yellow apple and white peach joined by orange blossom, honeysuckle, fresh herbs and subtle exotic fruit. Sauvignon Gris and Muscadelle contribute additional spice and aromatic breadth, with touches of kiwi, lemongrass and fennel emerging as the wine opens. The palate is juicy and gently plump, balancing ripe fruit and fine lees-derived texture with refreshing acidity. Citrus, herbs and a lightly savory mineral character carry through the clean, energetic finish.

Awards & Accolades:

• Wine Enthusiast: 90 Points, Roger Voss, April 2026
• Wine Spectator: 89 Points
• James Suckling: 89 Points

Winemaker's Background:

Château de Fontenille has viticultural roots reaching back to the 13th century, when vineyards near the Abbaye de La Sauve-Majeure were tended by monks. The Defraine family now leads the estate, with Stéphane Defraine having developed Fontenille since acquiring it in 1989 and Macha Defraine also involved in its current winemaking. Today the château combines this long history with organic farming and a freshness-driven approach to Bordeaux's traditional white varieties.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at approximately 8-10°C. Its citrus-driven freshness, aromatic herbs and gently rounded texture make it an excellent partner for seafood, grilled fish, salmon, sushi and paella. It also pairs well with goat cheese, fresh vegetable dishes and lighter preparations featuring herbs or citrus.