Château de Chantegrive, Graves (Bordeaux, France) 2020

 In 1966 Henri and Françoise Leveque sold their stamp collection to buy two hectares, almost five acres of vines in the Graves region of Bordeaux.  Today they farm 96 hectars, a bit over 237 acres.  In 1988 they used a winemaking technique that was commonly used in the Burgundy region, which resulted in Cuvée de Caroline made of a blend of 50% Semillon, 45% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris.  The technique is called sur lie, in which the wine remains in contact with the expired yeast cells, also known as lees.  Cuvée de Caroline is aged on the fine lees in 225-litre barrels, which are regularly stirred.  That time on the lees results in a harmonious wine with silky smooth texture supporting flavors of lemon and grapefruit with notes of green apple, and a bit of peach vibrant acidity.  It is smooth enough for a sophisticated aperitif and will complement halibut with beurre blanc.