Château Clarke 'La Merle Blanc', Listrac-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 2023

Château Clarke, owned by Edmond de Rothschild Heritage, is one of the rare estates in the Médoc to produce a white wine. 'Le Merle Blanc' has been part of the château's heritage since the 19th century and was revived by Baron Edmond de Rothschild. The estate spans 54 hectares, with a portion dedicated to white Bordeaux varietals.

• WINEMAKER: Fabrice Darmaillacq

• FARMING: Sustainable 

• VARIETY: 70% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Sauvignon Gris, 10% Muscadelle, 10% Sémillon

• TERROIR: Clay-limestone hills in the Listrac-Médoc appellation, benefiting from a temperate maritime climate.

• VINIFICATION: Hand-harvested and hand-sorted. Direct pressing followed by cold settling. Fermentation and maturation on the lees in small batches with automatic thermoregulation.

• AGING: 6 months; 25% in new French oak barrels, 25% in second-fill barrels, and the remainder in stainless steel tanks.

• TASTING NOTES: The 2023 vintage presents an intense nose with exotic fragrances blending with juicy white pear notes. Upon aeration, hints of flint, cold ashes, and white flowers emerge, adding complexity. The palate is ample and flavorful, balanced by a refreshing acidity and subtle woody notes.

• FOOD PAIRINGS: Ideal with vegetarian summer dishes, grilled fish, seafood, or Vietnamese cuisine.