Sauternes
Sauternes is a French sweet wine from the Sauterne appellation in Bordeaux. Sauternes is made from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle grapes that have been affected by Botrytis Cinerea or Noble Rot. This causes the grapes to become partially raisned, resulting in concentrated and distinctively flavored wine. More about this below! The above grapes are the only grapes permitted in Sauternes. Semillon is the dominate grape as it is thin skinned and its susceptibility to the Noble Rot. Sauvignon Blanc supplies the refreshing acidity and fruity aromas, while Muscadelle adds that exotic grapey aroma.
The Sauterne appellation is located 25 miles southeast of the city of Bordeaux along the Garonne River. The different temperatures from the Garonne River and its tributary the Ciron meet to produce a mist that descends upon the vineyards. These waterways provide the ideal microclimate in Sauterne that encourages the growth of Botrytis Cinerea. This fungus generally forms on grapes in the fall when cool, humid mornings are followed up by warm, dry afternoons and the grapes are allowed extended time on the vine to over ripen. Botrytis changes the grape's composition by decreasing acidity levels and increasing the grape's sugar levels, resulting in shriveled, concentrated, raisin-like clusters. The production of this wine is very labor intensive as the grapes have to be handpicked by individual bunches of grapes that have been noticeability raisned or shriveled by the Noble Rot. An interesting note; a typical grape vine produces about a bottle of wine, while an average botrytis-infected vine will only yield a single glass of wine.
Sauternes are some of longest-lived wines, with premium examples from exceptional vintages properly kept having the potential to age well, even beyond 100 years. Sauternes typically starts out with a golden, yellow color that becomes progressively darker as it ages. Sauterne wines have had a long standing reputation. In fact, Thomas Jefferson was an avid connoisseur of Chateau D’Yquem.
Sauternes are typically sold in half bottles, 375ml. Serve the wine chilled to around 50-55 degrees. Sauternes pair with a variety of foods such as Foie Gras, which is a classic match, as well as Roquefort cheese. If those are not for you, try this with almond, apple and pear deserts. Sauternes are characterized by the balance of sweetness with the zest of acidity. Some common flavor notes include apricots, honey and peaches but with a with a unique orange marmalade aroma, which is a typically characteristic of Noble Rot.
You may be asking yourself WHY would you want to try a bottle of wine in which the grapes used to produce it where covered by this Noble Rot fungus? The wines are just outstanding! Here are two Sauternes that I would recommend: Chateau Doisy-Vedrines and Chateau Guiraud. They are under $30 depending on the vintage, compare to a bottle of Chateau D’Yquem which will cost you $250 plus depending on the vintage.
Until next time, cheers!
