2023 Château La Tour Blanche Léonie Blanc Sec

Winery Château La Tour Blanche

Château La Tour Blanche is one of the most exceptional wineries in Bordeaux. The estate is located in Sauternes and was included in the famous 1855 classification as a Premier Cru Classé , placing it among the absolute top of the region, directly behind Château d'Yquem. The château has been managed by Jean-Pierre Jausserand since 1983, but has a unique ownership structure: the estate is owned by the French Ministry of Agriculture.

The history of La Tour Blanche is closely linked to three important figures. Monsieur de Saint-Marc gave the estate its name and had the castle with the characteristic tower built. Frederick Focke played a significant role in building the château's reputation. The third key figure is Daniel Iffla, nicknamed Osiris . He bequeathed the estate to the French state on the condition that it be used for educational purposes. Since 1911, the château has been affiliated with the École de Viticulture et Oenologie , where future winemakers are trained.

The special origin of the name Léonie

The name Léonie refers to Léonie, the wife of Daniel Iffla, nicknamed Osiris, who managed the château at the end of the 19th century. Léonie was the love of his life. When she passed away and the couple had no children, Osiris decided to bequeath the estate to the French state so that it could be used as a school for young people who wanted to learn viticulture and oenology. As a result, Château La Tour Blanche is still owned by the French government today. The name of this wine is therefore a tribute to an important chapter in the history of the estate.

2023 Château La Tour Blanche Léonie Blanc Sec

Although Château La Tour Blanche is known worldwide for its great noble sweet Sauternes, the estate also produces a very small quantity of dry white wine: Léonie Blanc Sec . This wine is produced in limited quantities only and is therefore relatively rare on the international market. For enthusiasts, it is a unique opportunity to taste a dry wine from a Premier Cru Classé in Sauternes.

Léonie Blanc Sec reveals another side of the famous Sauternes terroir. While the château's great wines revolve around botrytis and concentration, Léonie revolves around freshness, precision, and aromatic tension. The result is an elegant and gastronomic Bordeaux Blanc of great refinement.

Grapes and terroir

The wine is made from a classic Bordeaux blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. The vineyards are situated on limestone and clay-rich soils around Bommes in Sauternes. Sauvignon Blanc provides aromatic intensity and fresh acidity, while Sémillon adds structure and roundness. The combination of soil and grapes results in a wine with distinct minerality and tension.

Vinification

The grapes are carefully selected and gently pressed to preserve aromatic purity. Fermentation takes place at controlled temperatures to maintain the wine's fresh character. Subsequently, the wine ages partly on its fine lees, which imparts extra texture and complexity while the wine remains lively and elegant.

Color, smell and taste

Light golden yellow in color with green reflections. On the nose, aromas of citrus, lime, and white flowers, complemented by notes of green apple and subtle spicy nuances.

On the palate, lively and crisp with fresh acidity and a distinct mineral tension. The fruit reveals citrus, peach, and light spiciness, while the finish remains fresh and elegant with a subtle salty note. The wine combines aromatic expression with gastronomic precision.

Exclusivity and limited production

Léonie Blanc Sec is produced in only small quantities, making it a relatively rare wine outside Bordeaux. It is a special interpretation of the terroir of a Premier Cru Classé from Sauternes and combines prestige, history, and modern freshness in a single wine.

Wine & Food and Discount

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send this to you upon ordering this wine. You will also find a number of beautiful photos in the attachment.

The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to pick up the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the ideal wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. In the Food tab, you will find advice on what to look for for the right food and wine pairing, and a number of dish suggestions from our Sommelier.