Sauternes (wine)

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La tour Blanche Sauternes

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Sauternes 01

Foie gras with sauternes

Sauternes is a French sweet wine from the Sauternais region of the Graves section in Bordeaux. Sauternes is made from Sémillon, Sauvignon blanc, and Muscadelle grapes that have been affected by Botrytis cinerea, also known as noble rot. This condition causes the grapes to become partially raisined, resulting in concentrated and distinctively flavored wines. Due to its climate, Sauternes is one of the few wine regions where infection with noble rot is a frequent occurrence.

History

The history of Sauternes is closely linked with the Bordeaux wine region, which has been producing wine since Roman times. However, the specific production of sweet botrytized wines in Sauternes is a relatively more recent development, with the earliest records dating back to the 17th century. The prestige of Sauternes wine was solidified with the classification of Château d'Yquem as a Premier Cru Supérieur in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.

Geography and Climate

Sauternes is located in the southern part of Bordeaux, near the Garonne River, which contributes to the region's unique microclimate conducive to the development of noble rot. The misty conditions created by the river and its tributaries in the autumn encourage the growth of the Botrytis cinerea fungus. The region's climate is generally maritime, with mild winters and warm summers.

Winemaking

The winemaking process for Sauternes is labor-intensive and costly, primarily due to the selective picking of botrytized grapes. Harvesters may pass through the vineyard several times, picking only the affected grapes. The fermentation of Sauternes is often slow and can take several months, with the wine being aged in oak barrels for a period of one to three years before bottling.

Characteristics

Sauternes wines are characterized by their complexity, concentration, and sweetness. They often exhibit flavors of apricot, peach, honey, and nut, with a balanced acidity that prevents them from being overly cloying. The best examples can age for decades, developing increased complexity and aromatic intensity over time.

Notable Producers

Château d'Yquem is the most famous producer of Sauternes and the only property classified as Premier Cru Supérieur. Other notable châteaux include Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, Château Suduiraut, Château Rieussec, and Château Climens, all classified as Premier Crus in the 1855 classification.

Serving and Pairing

Sauternes is traditionally served chilled and can be enjoyed as an aperitif or with a variety of foods. Its classic pairings include foie gras, blue cheese, and desserts featuring fruits or nuts. It can also complement spicy dishes due to its sweetness and acidity.

Regulations

The production of Sauternes is governed by strict appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) regulations, which dictate the grape varieties, winemaking practices, and geographical boundaries eligible for the Sauternes designation.