Sauternes

One will seldom not fall in love with Sauternes wines. As one of the most expensive dessert wines, Sauternes wines are deemed to be top quality and prestigious amongst wine connoisseurs. Sauternes strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and the zest of the acidity but there is more to Sauternes than what meets the eye or mouth! Follow our guide to Sauternes to explore the sweet side of the Bordeaux wine region and learn more.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Sauternes Wine Region

Where is Sauternes?

Sauternes calls the region of Bordeaux home. Only 40 km southeast of the city of Bordeaux, in the southern end Graves subregion, Sauternes has gained fame across countries for its sweet flavors, the right balance and one-of-a-kind aromas. Amidst its neighbors: Barsac, Preignac, Bommes and Fargues, Sauternes is one of the five different communes in Girondes district responsible for the production of Sauternes wine. 

From Aperitif to a Dessert wine - A Story of Sauternes

Up until about a century ago, Sauternes was served during the first course meal. Considered more of a luxury wine then, not everyone could enjoy this gem of a wine. The wine was served as a first course wine, then, the chefs liked to pair Sauternes with starters such as Salmon and Turbot.

That seems like a ghastly difference from today when it is considered to be more of dessert wine, and it is. The climate was cooler a hundred years ago; grapes did not ripen well and there was less residual sugar in the grapes. This made it easier for chefs to pair the wine with the aforementioned appetizers. Dinner was thoroughly enjoyed given the long hours of the meal during those days. 

However, the perspective towards this wine has aged with time. With a warmer climate, grapes ripened well and faster and increased the amount of residual sugar. This made Sauternes popular as a dessert wine. But people were not ready to accept it. Even till the 1980s, people refused to sell wine bottles to anyone who said they would pair Sauternes with dessert.

The Magic of Sauternes Grapes and Terroirs

What makes Sauternes so special is the magic that happens within the grapes. Sauternes is made from

 The grapes that are affected by Botrytis cinerea. Usually, fungus are known to decay and cause rot to fruit but the Botrytis cinerea, which is also known as noble rot, is known to cause magic in the grapes of Sauternes developing its new aromas, flavors, concentrated sugar and acid. It is due to Botrytis cinerea, flavors such as orange marmalade, honey and dried fruit can be noted in Sauternes wine. 

There are certain climatic conditions that must be met for this fungus to develop. Botrytis cinerea thrives in cool, moist conditions with little or no wind. Thanks to the warming and cooling of air around the nearby River Ciron, all of this takes place beautifully. The soil composite in these regions are of chalky, gravelly soils that are white in color. The vineyards of Sauternes enjoy high-quality soils and microclimate that embellish the grape varieties.  Interestingly, the misty and humid mornings in the region and the sunny afternoons help the fungus flourish and give the Sauternes grape a “noble rot” under these conditions, which would have otherwise caused grey rot in fruits. 

Most Popular Sauternes Grape Varieties

Sauternes wine is produced from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle grapes that have been affected by Botrytis cinerea. Sémillon brings a well-structured base to the wine along with aromas of beeswax and apricot and Sauvignon Blanc brings herbal aromatics and sufficient acidity. A blended variety of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most popular for Sauternes wine and accounts for a large portion of the wines made. Muscadelle is also a popular variety of grapes when it comes to Sauternes wine. The wine has an intense golden color, aromas of blossom, stone fruit, and honey and a nutty note, that are more than enough to keep you wanting more. With age, this intense golden color can turn deep amber in the bottle, enchanting both the lips and the eyes of the wine enthusiast.

What to Pair with Sauternes?

Sauternes and Chicken

Chicken also tastes exceptionally good with Sauternes. Popping a bottle of Sauternes over chicken dinner with family will not only add elegance to the table but add an extra zing to your meal.

Sauternes and Asian Cuisine

Perhaps the pairing that would come last to anyone’s mind is that of Sauternes and Asian cuisine, but this is one pairing that will leave you astounded at how good it tastes together. Blending perfectly well with the exotic flavors of the Asian cuisine with its contrast and balance, the flavors of Sauternes can add a kick to your meal.

2. Grilled Figs with Mascarpone and Honey

Sure, Sauternes can be a dessert good enough on its own, with its luscious finish, but paired with something else, it is an entire other beauty. First cooked up by a cute couple as a part of their 20th wedding anniversary, they were kind enough to share how to pair Sauternes with this meal. It is as simple as it sounds and will not take up much of your time. Just grill up some fresh figs with balsamic vinegar, olive oil and a dash of sugar. 

Places to Visit near Sauternes

1. Bordeaux Waterfront

One of the most beautiful cities of France, Bordeaux has a lot of areas where you can rest, sightsee, shop and relax. The Bordeaux Waterfront is one such area. The waterfront area was completely transformed as a part of a project in 1996 and since then, the Bordeaux Waterfront has been successful in attracting many tourists and passersby. 

2. Pellegrue

A small pilgrim town not far from Sauternes, you will be enchanted by the beauty of the historical buildings of Pellegrue. Set in the rolling vineyards of the Bordeaux region, Pellegrue is a romantic place to explore.

3. Musée d'Aquitaine

Bordeaux is a city rich with history, culture and more. The Musée d'Aquitaine displays an interesting exhibit that represents the same. Explore the different eras captured in the Musée d'Aquitaine. It will be like travelling back in time.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sauternes