Sauternes

Sauternes: What, Where, How, Who, Why, and When

What is it?

• A sweet white wine made from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes. Semillon is the primary grape and creates a rich, sappy wine with body and structure; Sauvignon Blanc adds aroma and acidity to the wine; Muscadelle rarely used.

• Chateau d’Yquem ' 80% Semillon, 20% Sauvignon Blanc; Chateau Rieussec ' 90% Semillon, 7% Sauvignon Blanc, 3% Muscadelle; Chateau Guirard ' 65% Semillon, 35% Sauvignon Blanc

• Botrytis Cinerea/Noble Rot/Pourriture Noble is a mould that distinguishes Sauternes from other sweet wines. Botrytis causes tiny holes in the grape’s skin and allows water in the grape to evaporate, thus concentrating the sugars and acids while creating a greater aromatic complexity not found in other sweet wines

Where is it?

• It is located 40 kilometers southeast of the city of Bordeaux in the southern corner of the Graves district where its soils are a mix of gravel, clay, limestone and sand, but its topography has a much greater affect on the wine than the soil.

• Mild maritime climate and very unique micro-climate because it is wedged in between the Garonne and its tributary the Ciron. In the autumn, warm water from the Ciron flows into the colder Garonne and creates a morning fog, creating the moisture necessary for botrytis. However, it is the hot and windy afternoons that dry the grapes and prevent the botrytis from becoming grey rot and ruining the grapes

How is it made?

• Grapes are picked by hand in waves over several weeks, only Botrytis affected grapes are picked

• Grapes are pressed, often more than once as sugar content and quality increase with each pressing

• Fermentation often occurs in barrels made of new French oak

• Wine is racked to remove heavy lees and light sediment is removed by fining

Who is it?

• There are five communes: Sauternes, Fargues, Bommes, Preignac, and Barsac (Barsac also has its own...