Sauternes

Welcome to dessert wine paradise. While Bordeaux is known for its red wines, the Sauternes appellation is something of a seductive sweet wine enclave in this prestigious French region. Here, delicious and rare wines are produced that can be stored for a small eternity.

Where exactly is the Sauternes appellation?

Let's travel together to the south of Bordeaux. The Sauternes appellation is located about 40 kilometres from the city of Bordeaux. It borders the other Bordeaux sweet wine appellation, Barsac, to the north and is otherwise nestled in the Graves appellation. The 1,700-hectare vineyard is mainly located along the Garonne and Ciron rivers. The proximity to the rivers is extremely important for the development of the wines. But we will go into more detail on that later. Wine has been grown in Sauternes since the Middle Ages. Dutch traders began exporting sweet white wines from this region as early as the 17th century.

The wines from Sauternes were classified into different quality levels in 1855 as part of the famous Bordeaux classification. This classification was originally created for the World's Fair in Paris and distinguishes between Premier Cru Supérieur, Premiers Crus and Deuxièmes Crus. Château d'Yquem is the only winery with Premier Cru Supérieur status, which underlines its outstanding quality.

Botrytis: noble rot

Botrytis cinerea is the fungus that can then cause noble rot. However, this only happens if the sun dries the grapes again from midday onwards. This is exactly the case in Sauternes. If the fog does not dry out, Botrytis cinerea develops into what is known as grey rot. This causes the grapes to rot on the vine and become unusable. Noble rot is completely different. It inoculates its enzymes into the individual berries after working its way through the skin. This is precisely what ensures a higher sugar content while retaining the acidity – and the unmistakable aromas of candied fruit. These actually come from the noble rot and not from the grape itself.

Climate and soils in Sauternes

As everywhere in Bordeaux, the Atlantic Ocean also ensures a maritime climate in Sauternes. However, the two rivers Ciron and Garonne are much more decisive for the wines, especially in late summer and autumn. The Ciron brings cool air currents, while the Garonne ensures warmer temperatures. This combination creates morning fog in autumn, which promotes the growth of Botrytis cinere

This is precisely why Sauternes is one of the very few Bordeaux appellations where climatic conditions are more important than the soil. However, the soil should not go unmentioned. In Sauternes, you will mainly find pebbles, clay and limestone. Pebbles store heat during the day and release it at night, which helps the grapes to ripen. Limestone, on the other hand, adds finesse and elegance to the wines. So the soils are by no means irrelevant.

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 Guiraud and Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey..

What does a wine from Sauternes taste like?

Although the blend of cuvées can vary considerably from château to château, there are many common denominators among the dessert wines from Sauternes, making it easy to describe their typical style. Firstly, there are the high sugar and acidity levels, which are perfectly balanced. This is precisely why a Sauternes is never cloying on the palate, but captivates with its beautiful liveliness.

Typical are also hints of apricot, peach, citrus fruits, honey and candied fruits, as well as nutty aromas and a touch of saffron. In addition to the classic sweet wines, there are also dry white wines from the region. However, these are less well known and are mostly consumed locally.

What food goes well with a sweet wine from Sauternes?

Whether crème brûlée or fruit tart, chocolate mousse or ice cream, a sweet wine from Sauternes is an ideal accompaniment to desserts of all kinds. But if you think that only sweet dishes go well with these exceptional wines, we have a few surprises in store for you. Why not try a Sauternes with foie gras? The sweetness of the wine contrasts wonderfully with the salty creaminess of the foie gras. You'll find exactly the same contrast when you pair a Sauternes with blue cheese such as Roquefort. A poem for the palate! And then you can also use a Sauternes as a secret weapon with particularly spicy dishes such as Thai curry. The residual sugar in the wine gently coats the entire palate, protecting it from particularly fiery chillies and the like. Just give it a try!

And above all, give Sauternes time! Due to its high acidity, this sweet wine can mature not only for years, but even for several decades. Your patience will be rewarded with wonderful tertiary aromas such as rum pot, tobacco and exotic spices. Let yourself be inspired by the radiance of Sauternes wines and discover these noble wines at Best of Wines!