Drinks of the Month

Clos Floridène Blanc Graves 2012

Posted by Fiona Beckett (Google+) on December 7 2013 at 07:48

Dry, oaked white Bordeaux is one of the most underrated styles of wine in my view. I can’t understand why it’s not more popular (probably because the Bordelais keep most of it for themselves).

This is made by the high priest of white Bordeaux Denis Dubourdieu and is - rather surprisingly - available at the Co-op for £16.99. Or rather, larger, posher Co-op’s. I doubt it it will be available at my local store.

The 2012 vintage is a baby of course - it’s really too soon to drink it this Christmas (you won’t get the full flavour) but there are traces of that light, lush smooth character that makes the classic white Bordeaux blend of Sauvignon, Semillon and Muscadelle such a joy.

It’s a natural for seafood, particularly scallops and Dover sole but would also be delicious with lightly sauced white meat dishes - the sort of food that would go with white burgundy.

The Co-op has clearly managed to snaffle an early consignment of the 2012 but most of the Clos Floridène that’s around is 2011 or 2010. The Wine Society has the 2011 for £18 a bottle - not a lot more expensive than the Co-op, and Milroy’s of Soho on special offer for £18.95. Others like Christopher Piper have the 2010 - at £21.68 - as do Haynes Hanson & Clark (£22.65) which makes the Co-op offer look more of a bargain. Buy some to stash away.

PS While you’re there [at the Co-op] you might also pick up a bottle or two of the 2008 Chateau Sénéjac Haut Médoc they’re selling for £13.99 I recommended in the Guardian last week. That's drinking really well now.

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