Château Doisy-Daëne

Château Doisy-Daëne is a Barsac estate that produces top-class, sweet Bordeaux white wines that are characterised by their finesse and richness.

It takes the second part of its name from an English gentleman who bought it when the original Doisy estate was split up in the 19th century. Doisy-Daëne was extended in the 1950s, with the purchase of a parcel of vines that came from what is now Château Doisy-Dubroca, and there are now 15 hectares of vineyards planted with 70% Sémillon, 20% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Muscadelle.

The property is owned by Denis Dubourdieu, a legendary figure in Bordeaux wine circles, especially for the way in which he has revitalised the reputation of the region’s dry white wines. As a world-renowned oenologist Denis consults widely for other white wine producers, understandably as he carries the title of Professor of the Faculty of Oenology at Bordeaux University, and, with his son Fabrice, has taken Doisy-Daëne to new heights of excellence.

It is the estate’s sweet wine which receives most global acclaim; Doisy-Daëne produces quintessential Barsacs with the emphasis on finesse, poise and elegance, rather than power and force. The wines from the best vintages can age gracefully for up to 20 years. Doisy-Daëne is classified as a Sauternes 2ème Cru Classé. 

A very good dry white wine is also produced, made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc. The grapes are fermented in new oak barrels and then aged in wood for a further 15 months before bottling. Only about 2,500 cases are made annually and the dry wine has to be labelled simply as Bordeaux Blanc, although in quality terms it matches up to many of the better dry whites from the Graves appellation.

The grapes are picked in successive ";tries"; and are then pressed with the juice being fermented in oak casks (one third new) and then remaining in cask for another 18-24 months.