Imagine a wine with golden reflections awakening all your senses at first glance. As it glides over your palate, this fabulous nectar transports you with its captivating aromas, evoking 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 expertise.Curious to discover this wine and this exceptional appellation? Join us on a journey to the heart of Bordeaux !
Summary
History of the AOC Sauternes
The wine history of the Sauternes region begins in Antiquity, a period during which the first vines of the region were planted by the Romans.Nevertheless, sweet wines were not yet intentionally produced at that time. The winemaking techniques were indeed not as 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 the 12th century, the trade of Bordeaux wines boomed. At the time, it was mainly claret, a light and pale red wine, that was consumed.
From the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century, the provostship of Barsac, including the current communes of the AOC Sauternes, gained in renown. It was also during this same period that most of the current crus were created.
As early as 1741, it is officially documented that the harvest in the Sauternais is done "when the grapes are almost rotten" and carried out "several times to increase their sweetness." In the 19th century, these practices became widespread across all the estates, and the sweet wine of Sauternes gained popularity throughout Europe. This success led to the famous 1855 Bordeaux wine classification, 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 Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) Sauternes was officially created, thus protecting its name and its unique production methods.
Today, the Sauternes vineyard covers 1 900 hectares and more than 120 properties, spread across 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 potential.
Map of the Sauternes and Barsac vineyards
Soils, climate, and Botrytis Cinerea
Let's now talk about terroir and climate ! The soils of the Sauternais are quite 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.
The gravelly soils have the ability to store the sun's heat during the day, then release it at night, thus promoting high ripening of the grapes.
The clay-limestone soils, more present in depth, retain water well, which is very beneficial for the vines during drought periods.
Finally, sands and silts 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, combined with the characteristic influences of the oceanic climate of Bordeaux, allows the production of sweet wines with rich and different aromatic profiles each vintage. A unique microclimate also exists in the Sauternes region.
Indeed, in autumn, when the cool waters of the river Ciron meet the warmer waters of the Garonne, a mist phenomenon occurs. These mists, often in the morning and combined with sunnier afternoons, thus promote the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) on the grapes. This microscopic fungus then slightly cracks the berries, promoting the evaporation of water as well as a concentration of sugars, acids, and aromas.This latter is therefore essential and an integral part of the Sauternes terroir !
Vineyard within the AOC Sauternes
The Grands Crus Classés of Sauternes & Barsac
The 27 Grands Crus Classés of Sauternes & Barsac are the most prestigious wine estates of these appellations. They were distinguished in 1855 during the Bordeaux wine classification, initiated by Emperor Napoleon III for the Universal Exhibition in Paris. While this hierarchy mainly included red wines from Médoc, the estates of Sauternes and Barsac were also included in a separate category.
These renowned châteaux are famous for the exceptional quality of their wines and are divided into three levels : Premier Cru Classé, Deuxième Cru Classé, and Troisième Cru Classé.
The category « Premier Cru Classé » includes a single and unique estate: the celebrated Château d’Yquem. This property, at the pinnacle of the appellation, proudly stands and produces year after year unique nectars that enthusiasts worldwide covet.
The Deuxièmes Grands Crus Classés number 11 and include several prestigious names such as the châteaux Suduiraut, Climens, Rieussec, and Sigalas-Rabaud.
Finally, the Third Growths Classified Grands Crus are 15 and also include very prestigious names such as the châteaux Doisy Daëne, Nairac, or Caillou.
The sweet wines of the AOC Sauternes
The sweet wines of the AOC Sauternes are exclusively produced from four grape varieties: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, and Muscadelle.
The Sémillon, largely dominant in the region, is ideal for sweet wines because it is particularly sensitive to Botrytis. The latter forms the base of many Sauternes cuvées and brings roundness, low acidity, as well as aromas of apricot, peach, pear, and honey.
The Sauvignon Blanc often complements the blend and is very interesting for winemakers due to its high 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 the aromatics when present.
In the Sauternes region, the harvest is also a very meticulous process requiring skilled harvesters : the berries are indeed harvested in several passes (successive selections) to select them at an ideal maturity. Depending on the vintage, between 30% and 80% of the harvest is generally affected by botrytis.
In tasting, the Sauternes wines are distinguished by their captivating flavors.On the nose and palate, an incomparable aromatic range stands out: dried apricot, roasted peach, currants, gingerbread, marmalade, honey, flowers, beeswax, butter, vanilla, and oriental spices are among the notes you can indulge in. The Grape Varieties of Sweet Wines from the AOC Sauternes What to eat with a sweet wine from the AOC Sauternes? Traditionally enjoyed with dessert, Sauternes holds many surprises and pairs with a wide variety of dishes.This nectar indeed offers pairing possibilities that are sweet, savory, and even spicy ! 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 that enhances the flavors of both the wine and the cheese.
- Poultry and shellfish: a roast duck with orange, a crayfish tail gratin, or even a lobster will pair deliciously well with the roundness and fruity notes of our sweet wine, for a combination as subtle as it is original.
- Desserts: fruit tart, crème brûlée, or citrus pastries enhance the aromas of candied fruit and honey, beautifully concluding the meal.
And above all, don't forget ! Sauternes is a wine that is ideally enjoyed chilled, at a serving temperature between 8 and 10 °C, so that its complex aromas and sweetness can fully unfold on the palate.
Foie gras and Sauternes: a classic and timeless pairing
The best wines of the AOC Sauternes
The Sauternais offers an incredible diversity of styles and flavors. Among the high-quality estates, we highly recommend Château Haut Bergeron. It stands out particularly for the finesse and complexity of its vintages.
Managed by the Lamothe family since 1756, the 47 hectares of the property include a large portion of old vines and have the illustrious vineyards of Château d'Yquem and Suduiraut as neighbors.Go for their gems without any hesitation !
You understand, Sauternes is much more than just a sweet wine. The region offers a true sensory experience, where each sip transports you to a unique terroir and craftsmanship. If this article has made you want to learn more, feel free to visit our website
So, ready to taste the best of sweet wines?
