Sauternes wine
Sauternes is situated along the Garonne River in France, south of Bordeaux. The region is known worldwide for its sweet wines. The white grapes used to make the wines are Sémillon (50%), Sauvignon Blanc (45%) and Muscadelle (5%). Its climate is ideal for the growth of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea).
The best wines from Sauternes
Sauternes is situated along the Garonne River in France, south of Bordeaux. The region is known worldwide for its sweet wines and has been an appellation since 1936. The following white grapes are used to make the wines: Sémillon (50%), Sauvignon Blanc (45%) and Muscadelle (5%). Its climate is ideal for the growth of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). In order to produce wines with complex aromas and well-balanced acidity this fungus dehydrates the grapes, concentrating their sugars and flavours.
Grapes in wines from Sauternes
Noble Rot
The terroir of Sauternes is gravelly and chalky, this influences the wines significantly. The chilly mist from the Gironde River, along with warm afternoons encourages the noble rot. This gives the grapes their distinct richness and deep flavours. Many of these wines are matured in cask, which increases their complexity and adds a hint of oak.
Other regions
Famous Sauternes wine producers
Sauternes produces some of the best dessert wines in the world. Chateau d'Yquem is the most well-known producer, ranking as the "Superior First Growth" in Bordeaux's 1855 Classification. Other prominent estates are Chateau Rieussec, Chateau Guiraud and Chateau Lafaurie Peyraguey.