There is much talk about the expensive Bordeaux wines but when you know where to look you can find very well made and delicious wines for 10-12 euro. A fairly new acquaintance is Château de Respide, owned by Franck Bonnet.
The chateau is in the southern part of Graves, just outside of Langon. Franck makes white and red wines.
The first white, made of Sémillon and Sauvignon blanc, is an early bottled, very fresh wine with a pleasant minerality and almost a saltiness in the taste (5.40 euro). The second white, Château Respide Callipyge, is aged 9 months in oak barrels which give it a very different character compared to the first white. This is a full bodied wine with some fatness although the freshness is still present. Will go very nicely with a curry, says Franck.
The reds are also made in different styles. The Château Respide Rouge ages six months in oak and is made in a fruity, easy-to-drink style. A good quality Bordeaux for 8.10 euro. Château Respide Callipyge is made from 45% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% of Petit Verdot. This wine spends 12 months in oak.
A more “serious” Bordeaux, for storing up to 15 years if you like, but you can also drink it young. A bargain at 11.50 euro.
Château de Respide, Graves, Vignobles Bonnet, www.chateau-de-respide.com
