Sainte-Croix-du-Mont sits directly across the Garonne River from Sauternes and is best known for sweet wines made primarily from Sémillon. The same limestone-rich soils and river influence that support noble-rot dessert wines also gives dry Bordeaux Blanc their characteristic freshness and minerality.
The 50 acre vineyard of Château La Rame is planted on clay-limestone soils underlaid with fossilized oyster beds dating back 20 million years ago. Perched on south-facing slopes above the Garonne River in Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, the vineyard benefits from excellent sun exposure and natural drainage. The estate is planted primarily to Sémillon (75%) alongside Sauvignon Blanc (25%), with average vine age of 50 years old.
2024’s cooler, wetter growing season actually worked in favour of wines, like Château La Rame’s Bordeaux Blanc, targeting freshness and aromatic precision. While red Bordeaux producers struggled with rain and mildew pressure, white wines emerged energetic and lifted, with bright acidity and lower alcohols.
The grapes for Château La Rame’s 2024 Bordeaux Blanc (95% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sémillon) come from a 10 acre hillside parcel with a full southern exposure on the limestone-rich soils previously mentioned. After the grapes were picked by hand, they were fermented in temperature-controlled vats and left on fine lees for six months prior to bottling.
Tasting Note
Château La Rame’s 2024 Bordeaux Blanc captures the freshness of this cooler vintage. Crisp citrus, fresh apple, lemon-curd, and orchard fruit are carried across the palate by a vibrant mineral acidity, followed by a light dusting of herbs.
Food Pairing
The wine’s zippy citrus and light herbal notes make it an effortless match for halibut, goat cheese tarts, or anything finished with plenty of fresh herbs and lemon. The wine’s crisp acidity cuts beautifully through richer textures like flaky fish or creamy goat cheese, while the lemon-curd and fresh apple flavours will brighten the entire dish.