Sauternes wines: "The extravagance of the superb"

Updated on December 14, 2022

While opponents of the high-speed rail line have announced an appeal to the Council of State to denounce its impact on the great wines of southern Bordeaux , let's take a moment to focus on the wines of Sauternes. They are renowned as the finest sweet wines in the world. This is due to an exceptional microclimate that fosters noble rot, resulting in elegant, refined aromas celebrated worldwide. These are also prestigious wines, recognized on a scale that many winemakers dream of. Let's explore the wines of Sauternes, treasures with a golden hue and sensual aromas.

Sauternes wines: a smooth freshness and exceptional aromatic richness

The enthusiasm surrounding Sauternes wines is entirely deserved. They possess incomparable elegance, a perfect structure, and magnificent power. These are sensual wines with a golden hue and a complex bouquet where aromas of candied fruit, citrus acidity, honey, and spices mingle delicately. Sauternes wines combine a gentle freshness with a beautiful smoothness and leave an exemplary finish.

It's more than a pleasure to discover the aromatic richness of these rich, smooth, and elegant wines. But where do these sublime aromas that have made Sauternes world-famous come from?

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Sauternes: A Bordeaux appellation for sweet white wines

Where is the Sauternes region located? South of Bordeaux, on the left bank of the Garonne, this Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) covers 2,200 hectares. It is situated on both banks of the Ciron river and on the left bank of the Garonne.

Sauternes wines are the most renowned sweet white wines in the world.

Why are Sauternes wines famous? The Sauternes appellation produces only sweet white wines. The grapes are harvested overripe with a very high level of residual sugar. This sugar is present in the wines, where it imparts specific and distinctive aromas. Elegant, subtle, refined, delicate, smooth, and sensual: these adjectives explain the recognition of these wines. World-renowned châteaux within the Sauternes appellation, such as the famous Château d'Yquem, carry the prestige of these wines across the globe.

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The origin of Sauternes white wines: Botrytis fungus and noble rot

The aromas of Sauternes wines are primarily due to a fungus, Botrytis, responsible for noble rot on the grapes. The vegetation of the Landes region creates a unique microclimate. In autumn, the humidity and cold river water generate morning mists that give way to bright sunshine and dry weather during the day. This microclimate is highly favorable to the development of the Botrytis fungus and noble rot, which are responsible for the aromas of Sauternes wines.

Noble rot concentrates the sugars in the berries. Harvesting is done manually through successive passes: several rounds are necessary to harvest only the berries that have reached a sufficient sugar level. The selection of the grapes is therefore very rigorous. Fermentation is stopped while some sugar still remains in the wines. These residual sugars give the wines their character and exceptional quality.

Château d'Yquem : the most famous of the Sauternes wines

Sauternes wines also include Château d'Yquem, an essential, famous, and incomparable wine among all sweet white wines in the world. It is, in fact, the only Premier Cru Supérieur of the appellation.

The 17th-century château is magnificent, surrounded by approximately 100 hectares of vineyards planted on a clay dome covered with a thin layer of sand. The Lur-Saluces family owned it for over four centuries before it was acquired by the LVMH group in 1999.

While some vintages are of rare perfection (2001, 2005, or 2009), not all vintages are represented at Château d'Yquem. The 2012 vintage, of insufficient quality, did not produce any Château d'Yquem, and the production was sold anonymously. This selection ensures a precious wine, an enchantment within an exceptional aromatic landscape.

And the tasting experience? Magical. After 15 to 20 years of aging, Château d'Yquem wines display a sublime topaz hue. The nose and palate perfectly blend and combine aromas of sweet spices, beeswax, and toasted brioche. The whole is harmonious and complex; freshness supports the mellowness, the wine's vigor complements the velvety texture, and the finish is endless. Delicate aromas linger on the palate, where candied apricot, white pepper, and ginger invite you on a new journey.

Food and wine pairings: Sauternes wines pair perfectly with foie gras and Roquefort cheese

Like all sweet wines, Sauternes wines are generally served at temperatures around 8 to 10°C. They are excellent wines for aging and can be cellared for between 5 and 25 years. The very best of them can be enjoyed after 50 or 100 years.

Traditionally, they are much appreciated in desserts. However, their structure and sweetness also pair them very well withshellfish , exotic cuisine, dishes with mild spices, and vegetable dishes .

Our advice : Classic and unmissable pairings with Sauternes wines are foie gras and Roquefort cheese. For the latter, it's the combination of flavors from two noble rot cheeses that makes it a sublime match.

A taste of the vintages we love!

To help guide you, here are our experts' 3 favorite wines. Be warned, they are little gems!

Château Caillou, Sweet Wine, 2014, Bordeaux: this Sauternes is magnificent! This wine is characterized by its great finesse of aromas, its controlled richness, and its beautiful acidity, characteristic of the Barsac soil! We highly recommend it!

Domaine de Carbonnieu, Reflets, Liquoreux, 2018, Bordeaux: Alexis Charrier has crafted a masterpiece! You'll be captivated by the golden color of this vintage! The nose is fresh and tangy. On the palate, the freshness is immediate, followed by fruit flavors with a touch of sweetness.

Manon (Les Grappes)

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