Clos des Lunes 'La Petite Lune' Blanc 2023 750ml

Product Info

Terroir
The 2023 “La Petite Lune” Blanc from Clos des Lunes is sourced from vineyards located in the prestigious Sauternes and surrounding communes within Bordeaux. While Sauternes is traditionally known for sweet wines, these same vineyards possess exceptional potential for producing dry white wines of precision and complexity.

The terroir is defined by a mosaic of gravel, clay-limestone, and sandy soils. Gravel promotes drainage and heat retention, aiding ripening, while limestone contributes freshness and minerality. Clay elements provide structure and body, particularly beneficial for Sémillon, the dominant grape in the blend.

The region’s unique microclimate—shaped by the meeting of the Garonne River and cooler tributaries—creates morning humidity and afternoon warmth. While this combination is famous for botrytis in sweet wines, when harvested earlier, it allows for optimal ripeness while preserving acidity. The 2023 vintage benefited from a warm, even growing season, producing fruit with clarity, aromatic lift, and balanced ripeness.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
“La Petite Lune” is crafted as an accessible yet terroir-driven expression of Bordeaux Blanc, typically composed of 15% Sémillon and 85% Sauvignon Blanc. Sémillon provides texture, roundness, and subtle richness, while Sauvignon Blanc contributes freshness, aromatics, and structure.

The grapes are harvested early to preserve natural acidity and aromatic precision. After gentle pressing, fermentation takes place primarily in stainless steel to retain purity and freshness, with a small portion occasionally aged in oak to add subtle texture and complexity.

Lees aging is employed briefly to enhance mouthfeel and integration without diminishing the wine’s vibrant character. Malolactic fermentation is generally avoided, maintaining a crisp, linear profile that emphasizes energy and drinkability.

Alcohol levels are moderate, 13.5%, reinforcing the wine’s balance and refreshing style. The overall approach is minimal intervention, allowing both varietal expression and terroir to remain transparent.

Tasting Notes
The 2023 “La Petite Lune” Blanc presents a pale straw color with green reflections, signaling freshness and youth.

On the nose, the wine is bright and aromatic, offering notes of lemon zest, grapefruit, and green apple, layered with hints of pear and subtle tropical nuances. Floral tones—such as honeysuckle and white blossoms—add lift and elegance.

On the palate, the wine is light to medium-bodied with a crisp, energetic profile. Citrus and orchard fruit dominate—lemon, grapefruit, and green apple—supported by a clean mineral backbone that adds structure and precision.

The texture is smooth yet lively, with acidity providing tension and freshness. Compared to richer Bordeaux whites, this cuvée leans toward a brighter, more approachable style while still maintaining a sense of place.

The finish is clean and refreshing, with lingering citrus, subtle stone, and a faint saline edge.

Food Pairing & Service
Serve well chilled at 45–50°F (7–10°C) in a white wine glass to highlight its aromatics and crisp structure.

This wine excels with light, fresh cuisine. Seafood pairings are particularly strong—oysters, shrimp, grilled fish, or ceviche—where its acidity enhances natural salinity and sweetness.

It also pairs beautifully with salads, especially those featuring citrus, goat cheese, or fresh herbs. Light poultry dishes such as roast chicken or turkey work well, as do vegetable-driven preparations like asparagus, zucchini, or herb-based dishes.

For casual settings, it is an ideal aperitif wine, offering refreshment and versatility without heaviness.

Cellaring Potential
The 2023 “La Petite Lune” Blanc is intended for early enjoyment, with an optimal drinking window of 2–4 years.

While it may gain slight roundness and integration with short-term aging, its primary appeal lies in its freshness, vibrant fruit, and crisp acidity. Over time, the wine may develop subtle honeyed and nutty nuances from the Sémillon, but it is best enjoyed while its lively, youthful character is at its peak.