Fine White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc-Sémillon | Wine Folly

Looking for more fine white wines? This tasting features a rare blend made with Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. If you love a rich Chardonnay, this wine blend should be on your radar!
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A bit more about Sauvignon Blanc-Sémillon
This is a blend that most people don't know about even though you'll find these grapes growing in some of the most famous wine regions in the world (including Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Australia). What makes this blend special (and unlike other Sauvignon Blanc wines) is wines are often fermented and rested in new oak barrels which adds layers of richness and complexity to this wine.
Sauvignon Blanc is known to add herbal notes and a long finish
Sémillon adds rich fruity flavors and a waxy texture on the mid-palate of the taste.
In this video I tasted:
Château Doisy-Daëne's 2016 "Grand Vin Sec" which is 100% Sauvignon Blanc - This wine is from the Sauternes appellation but because it's not a sweet wine, it's declassified to the Bordeaux Appellation (~$32) Learn more: spotlight.winefolly.com/wine/VT-SVCEYINKM
Delille Cellar's 2019 "Chaleur Blanc" which is 69% Sauvignon Blanc and 31% Sémillon - This wine comes from the Columbia Valley in Washington State which is actually on the same latitude as Bordeaux (although, the region is much more dry!). (~$35) Learn more: spotlight.winefolly.com/wine/VT-SFRGOVTJB
I was really impressed with how similar these wines tasted despite the fact that they were from a world apart. What was notable was the richness that came through in both of these wines.
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[@Winefolly]

Thank you everyone for tuning into the Premiere! It's amazing to hear from people from all over! Ukraine, UK, Virginia, Chile, and even Washington State! Salut, and have a wonderful day :)

[@meffykat2845]

omg OMG I missed it =(

[@numanuma20]

Can Bordeaux Blanc be 100% Sauvignon Blanc.

[@Spawny_Get]

Love her for the way she is always half drunk. Shows she genuinely loves the stuff!

[@MarkWalsh418]

Blippi's energy w/ Rick Moranis' swagger. Hello from Greenland to Mrs Puckette and the WF Team.

[@Winefolly]

hahaha thanks! Hello!

[@thejohnringo]

Excellent intro to sauvignon blanc. Thanks for telling about Sauternes. Interesting to hear your reaction to wines made from the same variety, but grown and made half a world apart.

[@KonstantinBaumMasterofWine]

Very good stuff. I loved the way your pronounced Doisy Daene ;)

[@julianacristinacunico9765]

I love your tastings! Your descriptions and comparisons are so helpful! More videos like this, please!

[@Winefolly]

Will do!

[@johnholzhey8149]

I love a presenter who doesn't make wine a holy thing. Wine should be fun. Well, that and something that tastes good.

[@johndayan7126]

We love your videos! Fun and informative. Thanks!

[@carlosv9008]

Love your work. I am learning heaps! Keep it up.

[@stevenmuir1834]

Lot of fun! Enjoyed this.

[@craigmalcolm2661]

Thank you so much for the information. Your presentation is wonderful

[@gregoryunderwood4121]

Your passion for wine is very contagious!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@CorkandJava]

Good example of a case where you can definitely decant a white with that Bordeaux!

[@Winefolly]

You got that right ! This is a great example.

[@deborahgreen1429]

Coincidently, I just bought a bottle of that DeLille yesterday! Can't wait to try it with your tasting in mind.

[@girlvsgrape7429]

Lovely video Madeline! I love Sauternes too, by the way.

[@HUTINAK]

Awesome need to know about white wine

[@thedom2539]

Tried the Doisy Daene (don't remember which vintage) less than a year ago. Loved it.

[@texasgina]

I can’t wait for your video. I love Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc

[@andrewyarosh1809]

.....which has absolutely nothing to do with these examples. Hope MP’s tasting will encourage you to broaden your horizons.

[@scottwatters4433]

I drank a bottle of the '18 Chaleur Blanc this weekend with Chinese food. Was excellent!

[@Winefolly]

that sounds like a fun pairing!

[@robertlarsson7424]

Hi Wine Folly, I like your channel! The next time you are in Bordeaux, you must pay Château Doisy Daëne a visit. Last year me and some friends visited that Château and were treated really well by their general manager, Jean-Jaques Dubourdieu. The stop at Château Doisy Daëne is actually what I remember best from that three-day road-trip around Bordeaux.

[@Jordan808Hawaii]

Living in Seattle and working at a high-end steakhouse and tasting the great wines of the region often at tasting rooms, I'd love to hear you talk more about Washington wines!

[@packer812]

White Bordeaux is SO underrated. They are actually some of the most delicious white wines there in the world IMO. For yout next comparsion, what about old and new world Sangiovese?

[@Winefolly]

Thanks for the suggestion! Glad you agree ;)

[@dustinplatt1481]

Agreed, SBs are my absolute favorite white.

[@scottwatters4433]

Speaking of new world Sangiovese, I've been enjoying the "Guido" from Charles Smith's K Vintners in Washington. Very affordable and approachable early, unlike some of the old world Chianti/Brunellos.

[@robertlittle511]

I love your channel

[@torbjornkarlsen]

White Bordeaux is a favourite of mine.

[@richardboutet6523]

After doing the WSET Level 2 and taste Sauternes, it has become one of my favourite white wines.

[@girlvsgrape7429]

Same!!

[@skcolt13]

What wine glasses are you using? They are beautiful.

[@tonygallo1104]

yea Madeline.....really good vid!

[@girlvsgrape7429]

Great video! I wish I had seen this video before going to Bordeaux as I only really tried the reds there. But I did go a few years ago so.. 😉 anyway, good reason to go back!

[@tonygallo1104]

Watched for the 2nd time. I made it through entire vid this time as i should've the first time. Madeline, thanks for the taste comparison here. I need to try a Columbian Valley White Bordeaux style like this one! And of course more White Bordeaux from Bordeaux!

[@suginami123]

Excellent review. I was waiting for you to pronounce the French one. Fabulous name.

[@jimbradshaw4]

I have a serious love affair going on with Fendant from the Valais, Switzerland - the flintiness is perfect with cheese dishes like Raclette or Fondue. Are you familiar with this variety and have you any suggestions for similar wines from elsewhere? Great video BTW.

[@clasvirhodes4969]

Please do another video reviewing Zin . I recently bought a case from Two Vintners zin out of Woodinville Wa. Wow ! It is wonderful !

[@kristenmullinax1234]

Great video! Greetings from Charleston, SC. Wine Folly has given me an education and hobby once unapproachable. How about comparing a varietal using natural/biodynamic process vs same varietal with traditional method? Or a chosen varietal in a still white vs an orange? 🍷🤩

[@Winefolly]

Great suggestion!

[@samyammine]

Salut Madeline, as always thank you for the great content, amazing choice for the Bordeaux wine. Doisy-Daëne white wine was made by Prof. Denis Dubourdieu, the Sauvignon Blanc specialist. Cheers

[@Winefolly]

It was really surprising that it was 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Very layered mid-palate which I don't usually expect!

[@Dr.JohnLenihan]

Thanks!

[@Winefolly]

You bet! Thank you!

[@raymanzanillo7581]

Great video Madeline. Salud from the Philippines! Perfect timing. I'm doing some tastings of some whites from Sauternes and Graves as we speak. In keeping with the theme of white wines that are underrated in regions that are know predominantly for the Reds. How about Arneis and Gavi from Piedmonte area for your next sesh?

[@daveclinton4945]

Mabuhay!

[@FoardenotFord]

Great video, love your energy and wine knowledge! How about a video about how a wine ages over time, featuring Brunello di Montalcino? I believe you have an article on your site about this - could be an interesting case study for how tannins break down and secondary and tertiary flavors develop over time

[@Winefolly]

OOoooooo yes, I like this idea. Lots of stuff in there.

[@hughmosher3295]

had sauternes this weekend with some foie gras - fantastic!

[@Winefolly]

WHOA!!!! Fancypants

[@andrewyarosh1809]

Wine Folly 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@beatnikbanditracing3688]

Repulsive

[@markboubel6039]

Charbono and bonarda from california and argentina would be interesting. These are rare grapes and a fun wine. They do not make much sense from a business perspective but could become very popular with more exposure.

[@Winefolly]

Very much so! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@numanuma20]

Funny, I just tried a New Zealand Sauvignon blanc. It’s now on my list of wines I like.

[@klscriviner]

sauvignon blanc's and pinot grigio are two delicious white wines i love find they go well with chicken seafood, salads and risotto!! Oh my goodness I love making a rissotto try my rissotto with a glass of pinot grigio ! Youd be back for seconds.

[@lucasfernandez82]

More videos about argentinean wines, please! Cheers from Argentina!

[@Winefolly]

salud!

[@dw2898]

Very interesting review with wines new to me. I typically drink Sauv Blanc but not as interesting to me as was in the past. I'm always on the lookout for interesting whites and enjoy WA Pinot Blanc, Riesling from Alsace, Kerner from Alto Adige. I don't enjoy Chardonnay so maybe these wines aren't for me? Too rich and viscous? Let me know if I should try or if you have other suggestions. Thanks in advance!!

[@Winefolly]

not as rich as Chardonnay. the happy middle baby bear!

[@danny3601977]

Awesome show!

[@markmiller3713]

Madeline: Thank you for your videos. They're informative and entertaining. I want to ask, what is your favorite adult beverage other than wine?

[@Winefolly]

Does tea count? I'm an oolong addict.

[@Mathijs1308]

Bordeaux makes amazing white wines. I have Pape Clement and Smith Haut Lafitte on top of best tasted whites.

[@Eagle737]

I would love to see you do a dive into the overlooked German wines and even a comparison of the German Riesling vs the PacNW Rieslings

[@Winefolly]

That's a terrific idea! Thanks for the feedback

[@salisbury56]

I'd love for you to try some Lake Michigan Shore (southwest lower Michigan) Cabernet Franc, and compare it to some Bordeaux blends.

[@Winefolly]

Been hearing a lot of promising stuff from Michigan: that sounds like a fun tasting.

[@clasvirhodes4969]

Shipping to SC was a bit steep but, worth it.

[@jaff0701]

Please try Australia, Margaret River region, Cullen Wine's Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2017. Unlike fruity character of Australian wine, this one is very savoury and even close to pickle pepper, guindillas.

[@stevenmuir1834]

PS - loved the Romeo & Juliet allusion. ;)

[@Lily-ne7cp]

Can you please do an episode on German wines?

[@theboss4169]

Wines to taste next - "AO Yun" if at all possible. Thanks!

[@joshayala9022]

Any chance you can do a Gewürztraminer tasting?

[@jimbradshaw4]

Oh yes, so agree with that suggestion!

[@girlvsgrape7429]

I agree too!!

[@tinytexan4029]

Could you please do a tasting of Texas Wines? Particularly from Spicewood Vineyards?

[@Winefolly]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@clasvirhodes4969]

Two vintners is the best Zin I have ever had for under $30. In fact, I have had $45.00 zins that dont even come close to this Zin.

[@mitsvahboy]

How do you know how fennel blossom taste like?

[@Winefolly]

I have a baggy of it in my kitchen. Some people pay big bucks for cocaine... I buy fennel blossom.

[@josenascimento5172]

Why did you erase the famous overture "where we learn by drinking"

[@moshimoshiexperience]

Yep. I miss the little choreography 😉

[@dustinplatt1481]

Wow I love it!!! I an always curious about production choices... like the empty stage set, so the clarity and crispness of the wines is emphasized, but my favorite videos are in your own kitchen. The thanksgiving episode is Amazing hilarious, and so spot on, because as a long time cook, I am always in the kitchen. It was fun to see you go into the wine store, but have you ever been able to do a video in your (boss's) restaurant? Could be fun...

[@tonygallo1104]

Thata way to give them something to talk about hopefully not squawk about! It's super cool to change it up now and then.

[@andrewyarosh1809]

Lawyers for 2019 takeover Corporate Overlords put a stop to that charming opener. “Harrumph, harrumph, harrumph....leaves us open to litigation.... sends the wrong message..... we don’t want to be seen as promoting overconsumption..... harrumph, harumph, harumph.... can’t have it.”

[@kevingeeting4011]

Hybrid whites? They can be very charming....Traminette, LaCresent, Frontenac Gris, Brianna or Vignoles

[@ellisgivens6060]

Hello my name is Ellis what is your most favorite wine type

[@Winefolly]

I love all my children! ;)

[@ellisgivens6060]

Wine Folly Lol

[@davidabbett7011]

I have found of late where the old world whites are better on the noise; however, the Washington State whites are better for taste …. it’s a wonderful dichotomy that needs testing, testing and retesting 🥂.

[@matifilm8065]

Hallo

[@mjpc5226]

Take us through the Cayuse 2017 Syrah En Chamberlin Vineyard.

[@Winefolly]

huh! that might actually be possible.

[@erikstrait2887]

no Entre du Mer?!!!! WTF?

[@Winefolly]

Did I not mention Entre-Deux-Mers? It's a great place to find Sauv-Sem, but this producer was from Sauternes, so I wanted to talk about their area. Sorry to disappoint!

[@kenrehill8775]

You’ve gone a bit quiet hun, what’s the story?

[@Winefolly]

we've still got new articles every week at winefolly.com: but keep your eyes peeled for a new video soon!

[@philip5899]

Great knowledge and enthusiasm ! You do justice to the wine but I do wish you pay a little more respect to the origin of the language and try harder to correctly pronounce the names . My pet peeve is how American butchered foreign language shamelessly .