Sauternes

Sauternes (pronounced saw-turns) is a sweet dessert wine originating from the Sauternes region in the Graves section of Bordeaux, France.

What sets Sauternes wine apart is its unique production process. The wine is made from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle grapes, which have been affected by “noble rot,” or Botrytis cinerea. This type of fungus causes the grapes to partially dehydrate, concentrating the sugars and flavours to produce a distinctly sweet, full-bodied wine.

Noble rot brings out incredibly rich flavours of honey, tropical fruit, apricot and nuts, all underpinned by a pronounced acidity that balances the sweetness. As the wine ages, it can develop more complex notes of caramel, toffee and crème brûlée.

Sauternes dessert wines are renowned worldwide and are some of the most sought-after, not just in France but globally. They’re distinguished by their longevity, with top-quality Sauternes wines having the potential to age and evolve over several decades.

Sauternes originates from the Bordeaux region of France, specifically a region of the same name within the Graves subregion.

The Sauternes wine region is located just 25 miles east of the city of Bordeaux, along the Ciron tributary of the Garonne River. This location is key for producing “noble rot” wines such as Sauternes. The cooler Ciron waters combine with the warmer water of the Garonne River to create evening mists that descend upon the vineyards, coating the grapes. This misty condition is critical for developing Botrytis cinerea, a fungus integral to producing Sauternes wine.

This “noble rot” affects the grapes, causing them to partially dehydrate, which in turn concentrates the sugars and flavours within. The result is the famously sweet, richly flavoured Sauternes.

Sauternes wines are generally full-bodied, elegant and oh-so-sweet, though neatly balanced out with zesty acidity that sidesteps them from becoming overpowering or cloying. They have a long, smooth finish that can linger on the tongue for several minutes. Sauternes wines have a distinctive, vibrant golden colour that can deepen to a darker amber as the wine ages.

Due to their sweetness and higher alcohol content – typically around 13% ABV – these dessert wines have excellent ageing potential. Some of the finest bottles of Sauternes can age for decades, the wines becoming richer, more complex and darker in colour as the years pass.

Sauternes is generally known for its profound sweetness, balanced by a vibrant acidity and a complex array of flavours that evolve as the wine ages.

Sauternes offers intense flavours of tropical fruits like pineapple, mango and apricot, as well as honeyed, overripe and dried fruits. It’s characterised by a luscious sweetness due to its high sugar content. Despite its sweetness, Sauternes features a bright acidity that offsets its sugar levels, ensuring that the wine is not overly cloying. This acidity often contributes citrus notes such as those of candied lemon peel.

As Sauternes ages, it develops more complex flavours, including butterscotch, caramel, toasted nuts and even hints of ginger or spice. Some Sauternes wines may also have a slight mineral or smoky note. The wine is typically full-bodied with a rich, luscious texture that coats the palate and a long, lingering finish that allows its complex flavours to unfold over time.

Sauternes, with its intense sweetness and vibrant acidity, can be a versatile wine for food pairings. Here are some suggestions:

• Desserts: Given its sweetness, Sauternes is a natural match for a variety of desserts. Try it with fruit-based desserts such as apple tart, berry crumble or lemon meringue pie. It also pairs well with desserts featuring caramel or butterscotch flavours.
• Cheese: Sauternes is a classic pairing with blue cheese, such as Roquefort. The sweetness of the wine contrasts beautifully with the saltiness of the cheese. It can also be paired with other intense, pungent cheeses.
• Foie gras: This is a traditional pairing in France. The rich, buttery texture of foie gras is complemented by the sweet, fruity and acidic profile of Sauternes.
• Spicy foods: The sweetness of Sauternes can help tame the heat of spicy foods, making it a good match for dishes with a bit of a kick. Consider pairing it with fiery dishes such as Sichuan hot pot, Maruchan ramen noodle soup or a Madras curry.
• Seafood: Rich, flavourful seafood dishes, such as lobster or scallops in a creamy or buttery sauce, can also work well with a glass of Sauternes.

Remember though, pairing wine is largely a matter of personal preference, so feel free to experiment and find what you like best.

Discover more tips in our beginner's guide to food and wine pairing. 

Sauternes requires a bit of care when serving to appreciate its complex character fully. Serve Sauternes wine chilled (between 6-10°C). You can enjoy the wine’s more delicate flavours and balanced acidity at this lower temperature without the sweetness or alcohol becoming too overpowering.

Sauternes wine should be served in a small dessert wine glass. The design of these glasses ensures you only pour a small portion and capture those sweet, tropical fruit aromas. Larger servings of Sauternes may be more difficult to enjoy as easily, but if you don’t have a dessert wine glass handy, a standard white wine glass will do. Just be wary of how much you pour!