Sauternes is a sweet white wine produced in the Sauternes region of Bordeaux, France. It is renowned for its luscious, honeyed character and complex flavours.
Sauternes wines are typically made from a blend of Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grape varieties. The production of Sauternes involves a unique and labor-intensive process. The grapes are left on the vine to develop a condition known as noble rot (botrytis cinerea). This beneficial fungus causes the grapes to shrivel, concentrating their sugars and flavors while also adding distinct aromatic and flavor profiles. The resulting wines are golden in color and have an intense sweetness balanced by a bright acidity.
Sauternes wines often exhibit flavours of honey, apricot, peach, mango, orange marmalade, and sometimes floral or botrytis-driven notes. They can have a rich, viscous texture with a long, lingering finish.
Sauternes is known for its ability to age and develop complex flavours over time. The wines can age for decades, evolving into deeper and more nuanced expressions with notes of caramel, nuts, and spices. Sauternes is often enjoyed as a dessert wine, pairing well with a variety of sweet dishes. It is a classic accompaniment to foie gras and blue cheeses, but it can also be enjoyed on its own as a luxurious and indulgent treat. Sauternes is a protected designation of origin (AOC) and can only be produced in the designated Sauternes region of Bordeaux. Similar sweet wines made elsewhere may use terms like "Late Harvest" or "Botrytis-affected" to describe their style, but they cannot be labeled as Sauternes.