Imagine a wine with golden reflections awakening all your senses at first glance. When it glides over your palate, this fabulous nectar transports you with its captivating aromas and evokes candied fruits, honey or even vanilla. You are not dreaming, welcome to the wonderful world of Sauternes !
Here, each bottle embodies centuries of passion, traditions, and unparalleled know-how. Curious to discover this wine and this exceptional appellation ? Embark with us on a journey to the heart of Bordeaux !
Summary
History of the AOC Sauternes
The wine-growing history of the Sauternes region begins in Antiquity, a period during which the first vines in the region were planted by the Romans. However, sweet wines were not yet produced intentionally. Winemaking techniques were indeed not that advanced, and the sweetness in the wine was accidental, resulting from overripe grapes left on the vine.
In the Middle Ages, and with the conquest of Aquitaine by the English in 12th century, the Bordeaux wine trade exploded. At the time, it was mainly Clairet, a clear and light red wine, which was drunk.
From the end of the 16th century and at the beginning of the 17th century, the provostship of Barsac, including the current communes of the AOC Sauternes, gained fame. It was also during this same period that most of the current vintages were created.
As early as 1741, it is officially documented that the harvest in Sauternes is done "when the grapes are almost rotten" and is carried out "several times to increase their sweetness". In the 19th century, these practices became widespread at all properties and the sweet wine of Sauternes gained popularity throughout Europe. This success led to the famous classification of Bordeaux wines of 1855, established by Bordeaux brokers for the Universal Exhibition, at the initiative of Emperor Napoleon III...but we will come back to that !
In 1936, the Sauternes Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) was officially created, thus protecting its name as well as its unique production methods.
Today, the Sauternes vineyard extends over 1 900 hectares and more than 120 properties, spread over the communes of Barsac, Sauternes, Bommes, Fargues and Preignac. Its sweet wines are appreciated by enthusiasts for their great aromatic richness as well as their sublime aging capacity.
Map of the Sauternes and Barsac vineyards
Soils, climate and Botrytis Cinerea
Now let's talk terroir and climate ! The Sauternes soils are rather varied and present a combination of gravelly, clay-limestone and sandy soils, each playing a specific role in the ripening and concentration of the grapes.
gravelly soils have the capacity to store heat from the sun during the day, then release it during the night, thus promoting high ripening of the grapes.
The clay-limestone soils, more present in depth, retain water well, this being very beneficial for the vines during periods of drought.
Finally, sand and silt are sometimes located on the surface and allow good drainage, thus limiting the risk of gray rot and promoting the concentration of aromas.
This richness of terroirs, associated with the characteristic influences of the oceanic climate Bordeaux, allows the production of sweet wines with rich and different aromatic profiles each vintage. A unique microclimate also exists in Sauternes.
Indeed, when in autumn, the cool waters of the Ciron River meet the warmer waters of the Garonne, a mist phenomenon occurs. These fogs, often early in the morning and combined with sunnier afternoons, thus favor the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) on the grapes. This microscopic fungus will then slightly crack the berries, promoting evaporation of water as well as a concentration of sugars, acids and aromas. The latter is therefore essential and is an integral part of the Sauternes terroir !
Vineyard within the AOC Sauternes
The Grands Crus Classés of Sauternes & Barsac
The 27 Grands Crus Classés de Sauternes & Barsac are the most prestigious wine properties of these appellations. The latter were distinguished in 1855 during the classification of Bordeaux wines, at the initiative of Emperor Napoleon III for the Paris Universal Exhibition. If this hierarchy mainly included red wines from the Médoc, the properties of Sauternes and Barsac were also included in a separate category.
These renowned châteaux are renowned for the exceptional quality of their wines and are divided into three levels :: Premier Cru Classé, Second Growth andThird Growth Classified .
The category « Premier Cru Classé » includesone and only exploitation : the extremely famousChâteau d’Yquem . This property, at the top of the appellation, sits proudly and produces year after year unique nectars that fans from all over the world snap up.
The Second Grands Crus Classés are 11 in number and include several very big names such as Château Suduiraut, Climens, Rieussec and Sigalas-Rabaud.
Finally, the Third Grands Crus Classés are 15 and also include very prestigious names such as those of Château Doisy Daëne, Nairac or Caillou.
Sweet wines from the AOC Sauternes
The sweet wines of the AOC Sauternes are exclusively produced from four grape varieties:Sémillon, Sauvignon blanc, Sauvignon gris and Muscadelle .
TheSémillon , largely dominant in the region, is ideal for sweet wines because it is particularlysensitive to Botrytis . The latter forms the basis of many Sauternes vintages and brings roundness, low acidity as well as aromas of apricot, peach, pear and honey.
The Sauvignon blanc very often completes the blend and is very interesting for winegrowers thanks to its significant acidity as well as its aromas of citrus, peach, exotic fruits and white flowers.
Finally, Muscadelle and Sauvignon gris are much rarer but also contribute to aromatics when present.
In Sauternes, the harvest is also a very meticulous process requiring qualified pickers : the berries are in fact harvested in several passages (successive sorting) in order to select them at ideal maturity. Depending on the vintage, between 30% and 80% of the harvest is generally botrytized.
When tasting, the Sauternes wines stand out for theircaptivating flavors . On the nose as on the palate, an incomparable aromatic range is distinguished: dried apricot, roasted peach, currants, gingerbread, marmalade, honey, flowers, beeswax, butter, vanilla and spices oriental are so many notes with which you can get intoxicated.
The grape varieties of sweet wines from the AOC Sauternes
What to eat with a sweet wine from the AOC Sauternes ?
Traditionally enjoyed as a dessert, Sauternes has many surprises and goes well with a wide variety of dishes. This nectar indeed offers sweet and savory pairing possibilities, and even spicy ones ! Here are some examples to whet your appetite…
- Foie gras : it’s the emblematic pairing! The creamy texture and richness of foie gras harmonize with the sweetness and fruity aromas of Sauternes, creating an exquisite combination.
- Blue-veined cheeses : Blue or Roquefort, these cheeses reveal intense nuances alongside Sauternes, playing on a sweet-salty contrast which enhances both the flavors of the wine and the cheese.
- Poultry and shellfish : a roast duck with orange, a crayfish tail gratin or even a lobster will lend deliciously well to the roundness and fruity notes of our sweet wine, for a marriage as subtle as 'original.
- Desserts: fruit tart, crème brûlée or citrus pastries enhance the aromas of candied fruit and honey, closing the meal in style.
And above all, don't forget ! Sauternes is a wine that is ideally enjoyed chilled, at a serving temperature ofbetween 8 and 10°C , so that its complex aromas and sweetness unfold perfectly in the mouth.
Foie gras and Sauternes: a classic and timeless pairing
The best AOC Sauternes wines
Sauternais offers an incredible diversity of styles and flavors. Among the high-quality establishments, we highly recommend theChâteau Haut Bergeron . The latter is particularly distinguished by the finesse and complexity of its vintages.
Managed by the Lamothe family since 1756, the 47 hectares of the property include a large part of old vines and have as illustrious neighbors the vines of the châteaux of Yquem and Suduiraut.Go after their nuggets without any hesitation !
You will have understood, Sauternes is much more than a simple sweet wine. The region offersa true sensory experience , where each sip transports you to the heart of a unique terroir and know-how. If this article has made you want to know more, do not hesitate to go to our site
So, ready to taste the best of sweet wines ?
