Sauternes Wines: “The Extravagance of the Superb”
While opponents of the high-speed rail line have announced they will file a lawsuit with the Council of State to challenge the impact of this high-speed rail line on the fine wines of southern Bordeaux, let’s take a moment to focus on the wines of Sauternes. They are renowned as the best sweet wines in the world.
Sauternes wines: a smooth freshness and exceptional aromatic richness
The enthusiasm surrounding Sauternes wines is well deserved. They possess unparalleled elegance, 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 blend delicately. Sauternes wines combine a gentle freshness with a beautiful smoothness and leave an exemplary finish on the palate.
It is more than a pleasure to discover the aromatic richness of these full-bodied, smooth, and refined wines. But where do these sublime aromas come from that have made Sauternes world-renowned?
Sauternes: A Bordeaux appellation for sweet white wines
Where is the Sauternes region located? South of Bordeaux, on the left bank of the Garonne River, 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 River.
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 when fully ripe, with a very high residual sugar content. This sugar is present in the wines, where it imparts specific and distinctive aromas. Elegant, subtle, refined, delicate, smooth, and sensual: these are the adjectives that explain why these wines are so highly regarded. World-renowned châteaux in the Sauternes appellation, such as the famous Château d’Yquem, carry the prestige of these wines across the globe.
The origins of Sauternes white wines: The Botrytis fungus and noble rot
The aromas of Sauternes wines are primarily the result of a fungus, Botrytis, which causes noble rot on the grapes. The vegetation cover of the Landes region creates a unique microclimate. In the fall, humidity and cold river water give rise to morning fogs that give way to bright sunshine and dry weather during the day. This microclimate is highly conducive 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 by hand through successive sorting: several passes are necessary to ensure that only berries with sufficient sugar content are picked. The selection of the grapes is therefore very rigorous. Fermentation is halted while there is still sugar remaining in the wine. This residual sugar gives the wines their character and makes them exceptional.
Château d’Yquem: the most famous of the Sauternes wines
Sauternes wines also include Château d’Yquem, a must-try, famous, and incomparable among all sweet white wines in the world. It is, in fact, the appellation’s only Premier Cru Supérieur.
The 17th-century château is magnificent, surrounded by some 100 hectares of vineyards planted on a clay dome covered with a thin layer of sand. The Lur-Saluces family owned it for more than 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 harvest was sold anonymously. This selection guarantees a precious wine, an enchantment in an exceptional aromatic garden.
And on the palate? Magical. After 15 to 20 years of aging, Château d’Yquem wines display a sublime topaz color. The nose and palate perfectly blend and harmonize aromas of sweet spices, beeswax, and toasted brioche. The whole is harmonious and complex; the freshness supports the sweetness, the vigor of the wines 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
Like all sweet wines, Sauternes wines are generally served at temperatures between 8 and 10°C. These are excellent wines for aging, capable of aging for between 5 and 25 years. The finest among them can be enjoyed after 50 or even 100 years.
Traditionally, they are very popular as desserts. However, their texture and sweetness also make them a great match for shellfish, exotic cuisine, dishes with mild spices, and vegetable dishes.
Our tip: The classic and must-try pairings for Sauternes wines are foie gras and Roquefort. In the case of Roquefort, it is the combination of two noble rot-affected cheeses that makes for a sublime pairing.
A sneak peek at the vintages we love!
To help you choose, here are our experts’ top 3 picks. These are real hidden gems!
Château Caillou, Sweet, 2014, Bordeaux: This Sauternes is magnificent! This wine is characterized by its exquisite aromatic finesse, its well-balanced richness, and its lovely acidity—a hallmark of the Barsac terroir! We highly recommend it!
Domaine de Carbonnieu, Reflets, Sweet, 2018, Bordeaux: Alexis Charrier has crafted a true masterpiece! You’ll be captivated by the golden hue of this wine! The nose is fresh and crisp. On the palate, the freshness is immediate, then the fruit takes over with a hint of sweetness.
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