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Sweet wines : between smoothness and indulgence

The French vineyard offers wine lovers a multitude of choices when it comes to sweet wines. From Sauternes to Muscat de Rivesaltes via Vouvray or the Natural Sweet Wines of Roussillon, embark on a journey to discover captivating cuvées where sweetness meets indulgence and aromatic richness. Here is an overview of the main sweet wines of France.

Sauternes is a sweet wine produced in the Bordeaux region. It is made from botrytized grapes, meaning the berries are affected by a noble fungus called Botrytis cinerea. This fungus, which attacks the skin of the grapes, allows for some evaporation of the water contained in the berries and gives the wine remarkable complexity and aromatic concentration. Notes of honey, peach, apricot, candied fruits, and sweet spices are the usual hallmarks of Sauternes.

Alsace Gewurztraminer wines are white wines made from the grape variety of the same name, ranging from dry to sweet, including off-dry and mellow styles. These wines are renowned for their exuberant aromatic profile, characterized by notes of lychee, rose, and spices. It is worth noting that in Alsace, two other important AOCs categorize sweet wines : Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles. The first refers to wines made from grapes harvested at over-ripeness, while the AOC Sélection de Grains Nobles requires the berries to be harvested at over-ripeness and affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). The only grape varieties permitted for these two AOCs are Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer.

Vouvray, a renowned appellation from the Loire Valley, is also known for its magnificent sweet wines made from the famous grape variety Chenin. The AOC also produces, from the same variety, delicious dry, semi-dry, sweet, and even sparkling  white wines! Here, the dessert wines are made from grapes harvested at over-ripeness and/or affected by Botrytis.

Furthermore, many Vins Doux Naturels (VDN) exist in France. These are characterized by the fact that their fermentation is stopped by the addition of wine alcohol (grape spirit), which kills the yeasts and thus preserves the sugars present in the grapes.Famous VDN appellations exist, such as the Muscats de Rivesaltes (Roussillon) and Beaumes-de-Venise (Rhône), as well as the renowned Banyuls and Maury, which specialize in red VDN wines.

Finally, many other appellations from the South-West also produce delicious sweet wines, such as Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh or Jurançon (Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng grape varieties), Gaillac (Mauzac, Loin de l’Œil, and Muscadelle), and Monbazillac (Sauvignon, Sémillon, and Muscadelle).

In conclusion, all of France’s sweet wines are the result of meticulous expertise and demanding work by dedicated winemakers.

Most sweet wines also pair wonderfully during meals, especially with sweet dishes, spicy cuisine, or blue-veined cheeses.

Set off to discover these treasures full of sweetness and let yourself be captivated by their rich and indulgent character! And if you need advice, do not hesitate to contact La Cave Éclairée !