Vignobles Ducourt 2021 Gris de Sauvignon, Le Chant des Sirenes

The Wine

First, allow me to address the wonderful name of this wine - Le Chant des Sirènes translates as "the song of the Sirens. Here, the sirens have nothing to do with first responders but rather the fable of the mermaids whose siren call enchanted and tempted sailors onto the shoals. Those who fell prey to the lure of their beauty paid for it with their ship in ruins! May the lure of this wine be as compelling, but with far happier endings.

Second, and of equal allure, is this obscure grape - the Sauvignon Gris! Just as Pinot Noir has two clonal variations in Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris, this is a clonal variation of Sauvignon Blanc. The sibling known as "Gris" has lightly pigmented skins and shares its sibling's crisp and refreshing nature, but with a bit more body.

This wine leads with a notably pink robe and aromas as ethereal and delicate as a siren’s call. The nose is perfumed with aromas of red berries, citrus zest, and spices. The palate is crisp and mineral-driven, with notes of fresh red fruits and citrus, finishing with a savory edge that invites another sip.

Serve at cellar temperature (NOT too cold please!) of 50ish degrees. Pairs beautifully with shellfish, Mediterranean salads, Asian cuisine, baked fish, Thai curry, or Moroccan tagines. Ideal cheese pairings come from the fresh goat cheese (Chèvre) family, including those of the Loire, Valencay, or California's Andante Dairy.

The Winery

Vignobles Ducourt, founded in 1858, is a family estate spanning over 1,200 acres across Bordeaux and Southwest France. Le Chant des Sirènes is part of their innovative range, showcasing rare varietals like Sauvignon Gris, a grape with white flesh and pink skin that was nearly extinct but has recently been revived. Try this wine and you'll see why it's valued for its aromatic finesse.

Grapes are harvested at night to preserve freshness, sorted meticulously, and pressed under inert gas to retain delicate aromas. Fermentation occurs at low temperatures, followed by aging on fine lees to enhance texture. The wine is crafted under the guidance of oenologist Jérémy Ducourt, with an annual production of approximately 1,700 cases.