For over two hundred years, Sauternes has been known as the hub of the world's greatest sweet wines, hosting exceptional names like Chateau d'Yquem, Chateau Suduiraut, and Chateau Rieussec. Located just 25 miles southeast of Bordeaux, Sauternes is set in a unique location that provides the perfect conditions for Botrytis cinerea, or "noble rot." It is this fungus that produces sweet wines exploding with tropical fruit aromas, delicate golden hues, and a characteristic acidity that allows bottles to age for up to 100 years.
Sauternes AOC: History and Location
Sauternes is an appellation within Bordeaux's Graves subregion and is home to over 140 wineries across 1,900 hectares. Sauternes was one of the first appellations classified in Bordeaux, earning its AOC status in 1936. However, the appellation's history can be traced long before this status, with its wineries becoming the only white wines classified in the famous 1855 Bordeaux Classification.
Its sweet wines first came to fruition a few centuries before, as two chateau owners— Focke at La Tour Blanche and Marquis de Lur-Saluces at d'Yquem— accidentally discovered the power of Botrytis cinerea. The pair let fruit hang on the vines for too long after harvest and later discovered small punctures that dehydrated the fruit and left it with a high sugar concentration. Rather than disposing of the infected fruit, the pair used it in the final blend and stumbled upon the intense richness, acidity, and aging potential this fungus produced.
Today, Botrytis cinerea is found throughout Sauternes, as the appellation's geographical location provides the perfect conditions for the fungus. Because Sauternes is located between the Garonne and Ciron Rivers, its vineyards experience moist mornings with lots of mist, yet its afternoons receive immense sunlight. As a result, the fruit receives enough water for the fungus to grow and dry throughout the day.
Sauternes Wines: Common Varietals
Semillon is the most commonly planted varietal in Sauternes, comprising 80% of all vine plantings. The fruit's thick skin makes it the perfect candidate for noble rot, and once fully ripened, it is responsible for providing the wines' golden appearances, full-bodied palate, and rich texture.
Sauvignon Blanc is the second most common planted varietal in Sauternes, comprising nearly 20% of all vine plantings in the appellation. The varietal provides the acidity required to balance the large sugar levels and allow for long-term aging. Furthermore, it contributes aromatic richness to the final cuvée.
Muscadelle is easily the least common varietal in Sauternes, comprising less than 1% of the appellation's vine plantings. This fragile fruit is rarely found in Sauternes sweet wines, though its inclusion provides exceptional floral aromas and a round and powerful mouthfeel.
Sauternes Wines: Appellation Regulations and Additional Details
Sauternes is one of the smallest appellations in Bordeaux and features 90% family ownership across its wineries. Of the 140 wineries, 27 were designated Grand Cru Classe status in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. These wineries must abide by very strict rules, as AOC laws dictate that each blend contain alcohol levels of at least 13%. Additionally, low yields are common in Sauternes, as the AOC limits yields to only 25hl/ hectare. At some estates, yields can be as low as one vine equalling one glass of wine.
Around 5 million bottles are sold each year from these low yields, with the Sauternes and Barsac communes possessing the highest-producing estates. The three other communes, Fargues, Bommes, and Preignac, are home to smaller estates, while Barsac remains the only commune whose estates have the legal right to specify the wines have been produced there.
Despite the difference in communes, soil types are typically homogeneous throughout Sauternes. Vineyards are known for stony soils with gravel and pebbles on limestone and small amounts of clay, providing the perfect setting for the Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle vines.
Sauternes Sweet Wines Style
Sauternes sweet wines are known for rich, golden wines made from noble rot and always have large amounts of residual sugar and acidity. Common aromas and notes that can be found in Sauternes sweet wines are: honey, peaches, apricots, nectarines, almonds, walnuts, sweet spices, apples, honeysuckle, and citrus blossom. Mature bottles are known to develop tertiary savory notes without losing their sweetness.
Clear wines should be enjoyed young and often express notes of tropical fruit, such as citrus and white peaches. More golden wines, conversely, are characterized by candied and dried fruit notes on the nose and palate.
What Are the Best Sauternes Wines?
Sauternes Chateau Suduiraut
Chateau Suduiraut is among the best sweet wines from Sauternes, producing powerful, complex, and harmonious cuvées. The chateau was founded in 1580 and classified as a Premier Cru, underlining its status as a top producer in the appellation. Its northernmost parcel borders Chateau d'Yquem, as the two châteaux share similar styles and terroirs.
Sauternes Chateau d'Yquem
Chateau d'Yquem is the most celebrated sweet wine from Sauternes and earned the highest honor in the 1855 Classification, with a Premier Cru Supérieur classification. First founded in the 1300s, d'Yquem has gained fans from some of history's most legendary figures, like Thomas Jefferson, Tsar Alexander 1st of Russia, and Emperor Meiji.
Sauternes Rieussec
Chateau Rieussec first earned Premier Cru status in the 1855 Classification and has upheld that status thanks to its acquisition by Domaines Baron de Rothschild (owner of Chateau Lafite Rothschild) and Albert Frère of LVMH in 1984. Consequently, Rieussec produced a trilogy of golden vintages at the end of the 1980s and eventually earned a place as Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year with the 2001 Rieussec.
Sauternes Pairing: Desserts and Meals to Enjoy with Sweet Wines
Due to their intense sweetness and richness, Sauternes wines pair best with savory dishes like foie gras or cheese like brie. If served with a dessert, it is recommended to pair a Sauternes with a less rich or sweet dessert, like cheesecake, meringue, or lemon tart.
Sauternes Price and Availability
Sauternes has cemented itself as the apex of sweet wines not only in France, but across the globe. Its cuvées carry unmistakable golden hues, opulent textures, and bright fruit notes. With bottles ranging as high as $500 for a bottle of d'Yquem or as low as $80 for a bottle of Rieussec, either option provides exceptional drinking pleasure for your next gathering.
Browse our in-stock selection of Sauternes sweet wines and add a bottle to your cellar today.
