Sauternes is a revered French sweet wine originating from the Sauternais region of the Graves area in Bordeaux. It is produced using the Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grape varieties.
The wine's distinctive sweetness is a result of a specific type of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) that affects the vines. This fungus shrivels the grapes and concentrates their sugars, which in turn creates Sauternes' unique, intensely sweet flavor. Despite its high sugar content, Sauternes also possesses a balanced acidity that prevents it from tasting too cloyingly sweet.
Notable for its golden or sometimes even copper hues, Sauternes often boasts complex notes of honey, peaches, apricots, and nuts. The wine is typically full-bodied and known for its longevity - a well-crafted Sauternes can age well for several decades.
While Sauternes can be enjoyed on its own as a dessert wine, it also pairs excellently with a wide variety of foods, ranging from foie gras to spicy dishes and blue cheese. One of the most famous and highly regarded labels within the Sauternes category is the Château d'Yquem.
