Domaine de L'Alliance Bordeaux Sec
(Blanc) 'Definition' 2020
(Bordeaux, France)
Regular price $48.00 Sale price $39.97 Save $8.03
About the domaine:
In Sauternes, an appellation that is more well-known for wine châteaux than for the talented people that work the soil and make the wine, Valérie and Daniel Alibrand are braving it on their own without the safety net enjoyed by their more established neighbors. KLWM has a tradition of buying direct from the vigneron, which is not easy in Bordeaux, where brokers play a dominant role in the dealings and add a percentage to the cost of each bottle. Finding just the right fit in Bordeaux may be rare for us with standards like these, but when it happens, it is a rewarding feeling. It was love-at-first-sip when Kermit tasted the wines of Domaine de l’Alliance, and we are proud to welcome them to our portfolio.
The Alibrands are relatively new to wine, having started Domaine de l’Alliance in 2005, upon the purchase of the vines from Valérie’s side of the family. Although Daniel had been an Atlantic fisherman by trade, the two jumped at the opportunity to start their new vocation in Valérie’s hometown. Such a leap of faith has not been without its struggles, however the Alibrands have been attracting quite a bit of attention for such newcomers. They farm seven hectares of vineyards in the village of Fargues, known for the eponymous and prestigious wine château to which their land runs adjacent. They are fortunate to have old vines, which impart fabulous complexity to the wine, although it means lower yields than are the norm for Sauternes. (The yields for Sauternes average around 25 hectolitres per hectare, however the Alibrands’ vines only get 10-13, like Yquem!) They started farming in lutte raisonnée but have recently begun the three-year conversion process to have their vineyards certified as organic. Alliance refers to the marriage between man and nature, a fitting homage to this decision, and the salamander on the label pays tribute to the many they regularly find in their vineyard.
About This Wine:
Wine previously called “Bordeaux Sec”
Vinified in barrels that have seen at least three passages of wine
Raised sur lie with regular stirring of the lees for a year before bottling
Technical Information
Blend, age, soil type:
| 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 50% Sémillon | Average 50 years | Gravel, Clay, Sand |
Ratings & Reviews
89 Points - The Wine Independent:
"The Domaine de L'Alliance 2020 Definition is a blend of 50% Sémillon and 50% Sauvignon Blanc. White peaches, pear tart, and chalk dust notes jump from the glass, followed by suggestions of struck flint, white pepper, and nutmeg. The light to medium-bodied palate is lively and refreshing with delicate stone fruit and pear flavors, finishing steely." - LPB (Mar 2023)
91 Points - Decanter Magazine (2019):
"Bright and zippy, clear citrus and rosemary flavours, this is perhaps a little too austere to be a step towards the sweet wines of Sauternes, as some of the dry whites are in the appellation, but it has a slate-textured finish and great persistency. Organic." - Jane Anson (May 2020)