In the glass
Aroma: white peach, slate, graphite, citrus blossom, white pear
Palate: pink grapefruit, lime, green almond, bright acidity, saline minerality
A rare Sauvignon Blanc white Bordeaux of extraordinary mineral precision: gunsmoke, slate and saline drive a taut citrus frame that ages beautifully over a decade or more.
What it pairs with
-
Oysters with mignonette
The wine's saline minerality and racy acidity are a sublime match for the brininess of Atlantic oysters. -
Grilled Dover sole with beurre blanc
Delicate white fish and lemony butter sauce amplify the wine's citrus and mineral precision. -
Langoustine with herb butter
Sweet crustacean richness is cut by the wine's racy acidity and gunsmoke minerality. -
Goat cheese crottin
Fresh chèvre's tangy creaminess is a natural partner for the wine's Sauvignon florality and acidity.
How to serve Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux
Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
- Serve at 8-10°C. Cellar temperature (8-10°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a smaller all-purpose white glass. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Oysters with mignonette, Grilled Dover sole with beurre blanc, Langoustine with herb butter. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Pavillon Blanc is produced from 12 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc planted on the Margaux estate; uniquely, it cannot carry the Margaux AOC because Sauvignon Blanc is not permitted in the appellation, so it is sold as Bordeaux AOC. First produced in 1921, it is a premium white Bordeaux with allocation-only availability.
- 1921 — First vintage of Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux produced
- 2024 — Pavillon Blanc Second Vin introduced for the 2022 vintage
Facts
- Producer
- Château Margaux
- Grapes
- Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
- Classification
- Bordeaux AOC
- Oak
- 33% new French oak barrels, 7-8 months
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Production
- 35,000 bottles
- Price
- €200-400 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-20 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1921
Scores
- Decanter 97 (2020 vintage, reviewed 2022)
Frequently asked about Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux
What does Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux taste like?
On the nose, white peach, slate, graphite, citrus blossom, white pear. On the palate, pink grapefruit, lime, green almond, bright acidity, saline minerality. Structurally medium-bodied, racy acidity with a long finish. A rare Sauvignon Blanc white Bordeaux of extraordinary mineral precision: gunsmoke, slate and saline drive a taut citrus frame that ages beautifully over a decade or more.
When should I drink Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux?
Drink 5-20 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux?
Oysters with mignonette is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Grilled Dover sole with beurre blanc and Langoustine with herb butter. The wine's saline minerality and racy acidity are a sublime match for the brininess of Atlantic oysters.
What grapes are in Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux?
The blend is Sauvignon Blanc (100%). The wine is classified as Bordeaux AOC.