Sauvignon Gris Château Grand Launay 2024

The Sauvignon Gris from the biodynamic Bordeaux estate Château Grand Launay is a refined interpretation of Sauvignon Gris that stands out for its intriguing exotic and mineral tones. As the name suggests, Sauvignon Gris is a gray-skinned variety that originates from a genetic mutation of the more well-known Sauvignon Blanc, most likely born in the vineyards of the Bordeaux region. Due to its rather limited production in terms of quantity, Sauvignon Gris has not been significantly propagated over time, although it is still appreciated for the full body and richness of the wines it produces, despite not exhibiting the characteristic aromatic intensity of its predecessor.

Château Grand Launay Sauvignon Gris is an expression of the eponymous gray-skinned variety cultivated in a certified organic and biodynamic regime. The vines benefit from the characteristic Atlantic climate of the Bordeaux area and the soil matrix, rich in clay and sand. The harvest is accompanied with a careful selection of the bunches, which are then transferred to the winery for white winemaking through soft pressing and spontaneous alcoholic fermentation in wood. The wine then matures in wooden barrels for several months until the final bottling.

Visually, the Sauvignon Gris from Château Grand Launay expresses a bright straw-yellow hue with greenish reflections. The aromatic bouquet reveals rich notes of lychee, peach, green apple, lemongrass, grapefruit, elderflower, and cut grass that blend with complex hints of honey and white pepper. A fresh yet round taste development, with excellent balance, featuring an incisive savory-mineral trail that accompanies the persistent finish.