Introduction: Château La Hargue is a 26-hectare estate in the Entre-Deux-Mers, owned by the Ducourt family since 1954 and planted exclusively to white varieties. Under oenologist Jérémy Ducourt, the property is dedicated entirely to Bordeaux Blanc Moelleux — the region's semi-sweet white style — producing 80,000 bottles annually from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Muscadelle, and Sauvignon Gris.
Terroir: The vineyards grow on clay-limestone soils between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, benefiting from good sun exposure, proximity to running water, and meaningful diurnal temperature swings that build aromatic intensity while preserving natural acidity.
Appearance: Bright pale gold with greenish highlights.
Nose: Delicate and aromatic — exotic fruit, peach, pear, apricot, lime zest, and acacia blossom with a gentle touch of honey and vanilla. Each variety contributes distinctly: Sauvignon brings citrus lift, Sémillon adds stone fruit and body, and Muscadelle provides floral complexity.
Palate: Light- to medium-bodied with a soft, fruity texture and gentle sweetness balanced by fresh acidity. Flavors of ripe peach, golden apple, lime, and apricot are clean and precise. Fermentation is arrested at 10% ABV to retain residual sugar, with lees aging in thermo-regulated stainless steel adding subtle roundness without sacrificing freshness.
Finish: Clean and lively, with a pleasant honeyed fade kept in check by refreshing acidity.
Food Pairings:
🥩 Meat: Grilled salmon with lemon and herbs, pan-seared foie gras, or Thai-style chicken with lemongrass.
🥦 Vegetarian: Butternut squash soup, caramelized fennel salad, or a mildly spiced vegetable curry.
🧀 Charcuterie Board: Creamy bleu cheese, dried apricots, honeycomb, and toasted walnuts.
Overall Impression: A charming, versatile Bordeaux Moelleux that delivers genuine semi-sweet white character at an accessible everyday price. The gentle sweetness, fresh aromatics, and balancing acidity make this an exceptionally food-friendly bottle — equally at home as an apéritif, alongside mildly spiced dishes, or paired with creamy and pungent cheeses where the residual sugar provides a natural counterpoint
Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): ~11%
Farming Practices: Sustainable viticulture; machine harvest in cool early morning conditions
Producer Name: Château La Hargue (Ducourt family; oenologist Jérémy Ducourt)
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: France
Region: AOC Bordeaux Blanc Moelleux, Entre-Deux-Mers, Bordeaux
Grape Varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Muscadelle, Sauvignon Gris
Vintage: 2022 Wine Style:Semi-Sweet White (Moelleux) — Light- to medium-bodied, fruit-forward, and floral with gentle sweetness balanced by fresh acidity. More approachable and delicate than a Sauternes, with no botrytis influence.
Winemaking Techniques: Machine harvest in cool early morning; skin-contact maceration; cold fermentation begun at 12°C, raised to 20°C to finish; fermentation arrested at 10% ABV to retain residual sugar; aged on fine lees in thermo-regulated stainless steel
Pack Size: 750ml
Container Style: Glass bottle
Closure Style: Cork