Sauternes wines facts
Sauternes is one of the 6 renowned wine-making regions within the Bordeaux Vineyard, acclaimed as the producer of the finest sweet white wine globally.
This wine has 6 AOC-AOP:
Barsac, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur, Côtes de Bordeaux, Crémant de Bordeaux, Sauternes, and 1 IGP: Atlantique.
This prestigious wine-producing area encompasses five communities: Sauternes, Barsac, Bommes, Fargues, and Preignac, situated at the southeastern tip of the Graves region near Langon.
In this region, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle grapes flourish within small, walled vineyards nestled on gentle hills. The unique climatic and environmental conditions create an ideal terroir, allowing these grape varieties to produce an exquisite, elegant, and complex sweet white wine.
The importance of the Noble Rot
Sauternes wines owe their unique flavor to Botyris Cinerea, commonly known as Noble Rot.
The vineyards benefit from the micro-climate created by the Garonne and Ciron rivers, which provide the necessary moisture through morning fogs in September. This fog encourages the development of the fungus, particularly affecting the Sémillon grapes shortly before harvest.
As the fungus coats the grapes, they ripen in the afternoon sun, losing some of their water content and concentrating their sugars.
There is no regulation on the amount of residual sugar in these wines, contributing to their rich sweetness. To qualify for the AOC Sauternes designation, the wines must have a minimum alcohol content of 13% and a significant sweetness.
However, Noble Rot does not develop every year. In such cases, the wines are sold under the AOC Bordeaux label.
The golden Sauternes wines gained fame in the 18th century when the use of Noble Rot was recognized as a valuable wine-making technique. Sauternes wines boast incomparable aromas of candies, fruit jellies, honey, dried fruits, and vanilla, with exquisite floral notes.
They are delicate yet powerful, dense yet light, with a stable and elegant aromatic profile. Remarkably, great vintages can age for over a century. These wines are best served at 9°C, pairing wonderfully with foie gras, desserts, and even fish and poultry dishes.
Château Yquem
The most celebrated Sauternes wine is Château d’Yquem, the only estate classified as Premier Grand Cru Classé.
This exceptional and rare wine commands astronomical prices due to its unparalleled quality and the high costs associated with its production.
Château d’Yquem, an old fortress, overlooks its vineyard, which stretches across a gentle slope.
In the 19th century, an efficient drainage system was installed to manage the vineyard’s sandy-clay soil, ensuring optimal growing conditions for the vines.
Barsac wines
Barsac wines, exclusively produced in the commune of Barsac, were granted an AOC status in 1936.
This 600-hectare vineyard is situated within the Sauternes region, on the western bank of the Ciron River. Uniquely, Barsac wines can be labeled under either the Sauternes or Barsac AOC.
The Barsac AOC is experiencing significant growth, with an increasing number of winemakers choosing to market their wines solely under the Barsac appellation.
The vineyards thrive on the sandy and limestone soils of the alluvial plain and surrounding slopes, producing wines that are drier and lighter-bodied compared to other Sauternes.
Sweet white Barsac wines are characterized by their bright golden color and distinct aromas of hazelnuts, honey, candied fruit, and vanilla. They are dense, complex, and rich, yet retain a fresh and lively profile. These wines can age for at least 10 years, with exceptional vintages lasting over a century!
Barsac wines are best served at 8°C, making a delightful pairing with foie gras, desserts, and white meats.
Please remember to drink responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk L’abus d’alcool est dangereux pour la santé, à consommer avec modération. Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Noble rot by Edwin CC BY-SA 2.0 – Chateau d’Yquem by Henry Salomé CC BY-SA 4.0
