The Sauternes appellation is located in the south of the Graves region, around 40km from the town of Bordeaux. It is undoubtedly the most prestigious Bordeaux appellation producing sweet wines only. Its vineyards cover almost 1,800 hectares in five communes: Sauternes, Fargues, Bommes, Preignac and Barsac (the latter also having its own appellation).
With 18 Grands Crus Classés en 1855 (out of the 27 in the Sauternes and Barsac AOCs combined), including a Premier Grand Cru Supérieur, the Sauternes appellation enjoys a unique terroir and conditions conducive to the development of the noble rot that gives rise to these precious nectars.
The Grands vins de Sauternes are of unparalleled complexity and intensity, expressing an olfactory symphony with notes of citrus, white-fleshed fruit, flowers and honey. On the palate, they are full-bodied, unctuous and elegant, with no heaviness and a fine balance between sugar, acidity and fruity flavors. These are wines to wait for, as they have exceptional ageing potential, but can still be enjoyed young.
What are the typical characteristics of the Sauternes appellation?
The vineyards of Sauternes benefit from ideal conditions, with vines planted on gravelly, clayey-limestone and limestone soils. Above all, they benefit from the presence of the Garonne, and more specifically its tributary, the Ciron. This creates a microclimate that favors the development of Botrytis Cinerea, the fungus responsible for the famous noble rot. This dehydrates the berries, concentrating their sugars and developing the distinctive aromas of Sauternes wines. These over-ripe grapes are harvested by hand, berry by berry, with several successive selections.
Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle flourish on this exceptional terroir.
- The majority of Sémillon is present, bringing aromatic finesse, harmony and complexity to the wines.
- Sauvignon Blanc is present alongside Sémillon, lending liveliness and freshness to the wines.
- Muscadelle is very much in the minority, bringing muscatel notes and aromatic richness.
What are the emblematic properties of the Sauternes appellation?
The Sauternes appellation includes many Grands Crus Classés en 1855, 18 in all, grouped into three categories:
- 1 Premier Grand Cru Supérieur: Château d'Yquem
- 9 Premiers Grands Crus Classés: Château Clos Haut-Peyraguey, Château Guiraud, Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, Château Rabaud-Promis, Château de Rayne-Vigneau, Château Rieussec, Château Sigalas-Rabaud, Château Suduiraut, Château La Tour Blanche
- 8 Seconds Grands Crus Classés: Château d'Arche, Château Filhot, Château Lamothe, Château Lamothe-Guignard, Château de Malle, Château de Myrat, Château Romer du Hayot, Château Romer.
Our food and wine pairings: enhance your festivities with flair!
- For classic food and wine pairings, this wine can be served with foie gras and fruit chutney, or blue-veined cheeses such as Roquefort or Bleu d'Auvergne.
- For something a little more eXOtical, try pairing it with curry, shrimp soup with coconut milk or simply pad thai. The smoothness and creaminess of the wine will soften the spices without masking them.
- For the holidays, don't hesitate to drink it with turkey, or capon enhanced by a mushroom sauce and served with mashed potatoes.
- And with dessert? For this, it's best to choose a dish with a minimum of acidity, to avoid an overly sweet mixture. A lemon tart or a mango passion fruit dessert would be perfect.
- An even more surprising cocktail : the Saujito! All you have to do is make a mojito and replace the rum with Sauternes. A confusing but delicious mix!
