2023 Château Valandraud Virginie de Valandraud Bordeaux Blanc

the story of Château Valandraud

Château Valandraud, founded by Jean-Luc Thunevin in Saint-Émilion, is known as a pioneer of the so-called "garagiste wines." From a small vineyard, the estate grew into a Premier Grand Cru Classé, renowned for its innovative approach and impeccable quality. Besides its renowned red wines, Valandraud also produces white wines, including Virginie de Valandraud Blanc. This cuvée is considered the "second wine" of the white selection and demonstrates that even here the same precision and care is applied as with the grand vin.

vineyard and grapes

The grapes for Virginie de Valandraud Blanc come from carefully selected plots in Bordeaux. The blend is dominated by Sauvignon Blanc, supplemented with Sémillon and sometimes Muscadelle, depending on the vintage. This combination produces a wine that is aromatically expressive and vibrant, yet simultaneously possesses remarkable depth and structure.

the 2023 harvest

The 2023 vintage yielded healthy grapes with an excellent balance between ripeness and freshness. For white wines, this meant expressive aromatic intensity and a beautiful tension on the palate. The 2023 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc is powerful and intense, yet retains its elegance thanks to the freshness of the Sauvignon Blanc.

vinification and style

The wine was fermented and aged in a combination of stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels, preserving both its aromatic freshness and texture. The result is a wine with richness and concentration, yet with a lively, mineral undertone. Antonio Galloni emphasized its impressive intensity and texture, especially for a second wine.

color, smell and taste

The 2023 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc has a bright, pale yellow color with green highlights. The nose is dominated by aromas of citrus, white peach, lime, and floral notes, complemented by subtle spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with a broad structure and a long, lively finish. The freshness of the Sauvignon Blanc keeps the wine taut and exciting, while the ripe fruit notes provide layering.

reviews and storage potential

Antonio Galloni (Vinous) rated the 2023 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc 91-93 points. He praised its intensity and powerful palate, especially for a wine considered a second label. The wine is attractive even when young, but has sufficient structure to continue developing well into 2030.

Would you like to order Château Valandraud wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.

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wine and food pairings

• Grilled sea bass with lemon and herbs – the freshness of the wine emphasises the delicate flavours of the fish.
• Lobster with a light butter sauce – the rich texture of the wine supports the creamy structure of the dish.
• Chicken fillet with tarragon and lemon cream – the lively acidity balances the creaminess of the sauce.
• Risotto with green asparagus and Parmesan – the spicy and creamy elements complement the juicy fruit notes perfectly.
• Goat cheese with honey – the fresh acidity and citrus notes provide a perfect contrast to the creamy, slightly sweet cheese.
• Tuna and avocado sushi – the minerality and tension of the wine enhance the pure flavors of the sushi.