La Freynelle, in the Entre-Deux-Mers, harvests and vinifies each grape variety separately, so that each is at the peak of ripeness. With controlled temperature stainless steel tank fermentation and storage, the wine sees no oak at all. There is some malolactic fermentation to soften the tart or astringent elements of the wine and enhance the fruity and floral nature.
Composed of the three basic white grapes of Bordeaux with 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Semillon, and 10% Muscadelle, Chateau La Freynelle emphasizes bright flowers, citrus fruits, melon and pears, and fresh-picked herbs, with a delicate touch of beeswax and honey to mellow and soften the wine.
The 12% alcohol, which is remarkably low in these days of climate change, signals a classic approach to the fermentation, and the marriage of the three varieties provides the building blocks for the style---Muscadelle adds a hint of flowery aromatics, the Semillon provides a honey and beeswax character, and the Sauvignon Blanc lends structure and herbal assertiveness.
There's also a touch of residual sugar in the wine, not so much to sweeten it as to mellow it and soften it by balancing the acidity while adding a bit of body and texture. At a holiday feast with family and friends, it was the "go-to" white wine, and several people commented it was accommodating to the ham, the roast turkey, pan roasted cauliflower and broccoli florets, and the au gratin potatoes.