Pairing White Pessac-Léognan for New Year’s Day

The white wines of Pessac-Léognan are the perfect pairing for many traditional foods served on New Year’s Day, such as seafood, egg-based dishes, and turkey.

Why? Because the wines of Pessac-Léognan offer the perfect blend of richness and zesty acidity that complement and contrast with the foods served on this day, both at the table for a formal luncheon and for a buffet.

The Pessac-Léognan Region

Pessac-Léognan is the more celebrated part of the larger Graves district, of Bordeaux, France, offering both cru classé dry white and red wines. The appellation was created in 1987, nearly three decades after the 1959 establishment of the larger surrounding Graves appellation.

The White Grapes of Pessac-Léognan

The white wines of Pessac-Léognan are made primarily from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes, with many châteaux adding Sauvignon Gris and Muscadelle into the blend. Though these are the same grapes used in Graves, the terroir and climate of Pessac-Léognan create more sharply defined aromas and flavors, and a richer, more nuanced structure.

The Châteaux of the Appellation

The owners of the Pessac-Léognan châteaux are a tight-knit group, working together on many marketing projects to highlight the wines and stories of the châteaux.

Each château has its own unique story, but today I’ll highlight the story of Smith Haut Lafitte, home to award-winning white and red wines.

Florence and Daniel Cathiard met when they were champions on the French ski team as teenagers. They both attended business school and became executives at large firms. Florence specialized in marketing, while Daniel was in control of his family’s supermarket and sporting goods store interests.

In 1990, they invested their time and capital into the purchase and renovation of Smith Haut Lafitte, which had a glorious history but needed renovation. The estate, originally part of the Du Boscq holdings in the Graves region, began its winemaking journey when Du Boscq planted vines in 1365 on a gravelly plateau called Lafitte, which partly inspired the chateau’s name.

The duo were quick to replant the vineyards and bring the Château to its former glory. They were also were among the first to create a luxury 5-star hotel surrounded by vines next to Château Smith Haut Lafitte, along with the 2-Michelin star restaurant La Grand’Vigne, serving cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients.

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte is now celebrated for its traditional viticulture techniques and its adoption of biodynamic processes, which contribute to the distinct quality of its wines. Visitors to the winery can explore these methods and experience the wines firsthand through tours and tastings offered at the vineyard.

Here are three white wines from Smith Haut Lafitte that would be excellent for New Years Day, or any upcoming dinner parties:

• Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc (Pessac-Léognan) 2022

This is a classic blend with luscious notes of white peach, chamomile, and the smoke usually looked forward to in wines of Pessac-Léognan.

• Les Hauts de Smith Blanc (Pessac-Léognan) 2022

This wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc, offering a creamy texture and zesty acidity with a slight minerality.

• Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc (Pessac-Léognan) 2022

The blend in this wine includes additional notes of peach and beeswax, creating a smoky core.

Pairing Pessac-Léognan with New Year’s Day Food

Even if you cannot get ahold of a bottle from Smit Haut Lafitte, pairing New Year’s Day foods with other white Bordeaux wines from Pessac-Léognan can be a delightful culinary experience. Pessac-Léognan whites are known for their crisp acidity, minerality, and often a touch of oak. Ideal pairings include:

Grilled Fish or Seafood: Delicate white fish or shellfish enhance the crispness of the wine.

Asparagus and Spring Vegetables: The green, grassy notes of Pessac-Léognan whites handle these vegetables beautifully.

Goat Cheese: Soft, tangy goat cheese pairs wonderfully with the acidity and minerality of these wines.

Quiche or Tart: A light, egg-based dish like a quiche complements the wine’s profile.

Roasted Chicken or Turkey: The wine’s crispness and slight oak influence can enhance the flavors of these dishes.

When attending a New Year’s Day luncheon, a bottle of white wine from Pessac-Léognan offers a taste of history and is the perfect complement to a festive meal, setting a rich tone for a successful New Year.