Cantenac Brown 2022 Alto de Cantenac Brown Margaux Blanc

The 2022 Alto de Cantenac Brown Margaux Blanc is a refined and elegant Bordeaux white that harmonizes vibrant fruit expression with mineral clarity and subtle textural depth. Bright and lifted yet softly layered, it marries refreshing citrus and stone fruit richness with refined structure — a white Margaux that feels both refined and inviting.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Alto de Cantenac Brown is the white wine counterpart from Château Cantenac Brown, a historic Margaux estate on Bordeaux’s Left Bank renowned for its classical balance of finesse and precision.

Key production and origin details:

• Region: Appellation Margaux, Bordeaux, France — a region best known for red Bordeaux but increasingly noted for high-quality white wines from limestone and gravel soils.

• Grape Composition: A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, allowing crisp citrus, tropical lift, and weightier textural layers, respectively.

• Vineyard Expression: Grapes are sourced from carefully tended parcels, chosen for ripeness, acidity, and vigor. Cooler nights in Margaux help preserve aromatics and freshness.

• Winemaking:

  • Gentle pressing and controlled fermentation to retain varietal purity

  • Partial use of oak (often neutral or lightly seasoned) to lend subtle texture without overwhelming fruit

  • Lees aging for added mouthfeel and aromatic complexity

This thoughtful approach results in a white Bordeaux with both aromatic brightness and textural depth.

Critics Reviews & Professional Impressions

Professional reviewers and Bordeaux specialists praise the 2022 Alto de Cantenac Brown for:

• Its citrus-driven freshness — lemon zest, lime, and green apple that bring immediate vibrancy.

• Textural refinement, with balanced acidity and a silky palate that bridges Purity and weight.

• Elegance for the Margaux terroir, showcasing that even in a red-dominant appellation, white Bordeaux can deliver nuance and length.

• Exceptional harmony between fruit and structure, making it versatile at the table or as an elegant aperitif.

Reviewers often describe this wine as a leading white from the Left Bank — expressive yet poised, with clarity and depth unusual for the region.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Fresh notes of lemon zest, lime blossom, and green pear open first, transitioning into white peach, honeysuckle, and a floral bouquet. Subtle hints of fresh herbs and flinty minerality add complexity.

Palate:
Medium-bodied and vivacious. Crisp citrus, green apple, and white peach are complemented by soft tropical undertones. A core of saline minerality and gentle lees-derived texture adds weight and sophistication without heaviness. The oak influence, if present, is seamless and supportive.

Finish:
Clean, lingering, and refreshing. Bright acidity and mineral tension carry citrus and orchard fruit through a refined finish, leaving a delicate hint of blossom and flint.

Quick Overview