Sauternes
Sauternes
Located south of Bordeaux and at the southern end of the Graves region, Sauternes is a vast appellation with 2002 ha of vines covering 5 distinct communes. These 5 communes, each with its own unique terroir, are Barsac, Bommes, Fargues, Sauternes and Preignac. The prestigious wines of Sauternes stand out for the high cost of production compared to other wines in the region. In this guide, we'll take a look at the Sauternes appellation and its best wines
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Sauternes wine terroirs
The appellation's 2004 ha of vineyards are located 40 km southeast of Bordeaux. Sauternes covers 1,559 ha, Barsac 403 ha. Bommes has 380 ha, while Preignac has 565 ha. Sauternes' smallest commune covers 190 ha. Sauternes is bordered by the Garonne and Ciron rivers. The wine-growing terroirs of the 5 communes that make up this appellation are composed of pebbles, gravel, chalk and silt. The permeability of the soils and the high humidity due to the morning fog caused by the proximity of the Ciron river encourage noble rot in the grapes. This climatic condition also allows the botrytis fungus to develop on ripe grapes. To produce these wines, winegrowers have to harvest in several batches. The pickers sort only the best grapes at each stage. Total production in this appellation is 480,000 cases of wine per year
Sémillon is the main grape variety used in this appellation, along with Sauvignon Blanc and a small percentage of Muscadelle. Unlike the châteaux of the Médoc, the Sauternes wine estates are mostly small. These properties are classified into 11 Premiers crus and 14 Deuxièmes crus. The famous Château d'Yquem has been awarded the distinction of Premier Cru Supérieur
The greatest Sauternes:
-Yquem: the 113-hectare vineyard of this chateau in the Graves wine region produces incredibly smooth wines with complex aromas, balanced acidity and ageing potential of over 30 years. The style of this château is simply divine. It's a full-bodied, soft white wine with an impressive floral character. A wine that can be enjoyed young or left to age for years. Enjoy with blue cheese, foie gras or fruit-based desserts. Feel free to browse our collection of wines from this château to acquire this gem at a low price!
-Gilette: this château's 4.5 ha of vineyards are owned by Julie Gonet-Medeville and her husband Xavier Gonet. The property has been in the family's hands since the 18th century. They also own Les Justices in Sauternes and other properties. This château produces only selected great vintages. Classified as a Premier Cru in 1855, the wines of this château have a soft, racy character, with incredible acidity that can be appreciated in their youth. They are distinguished by being aged in vats for 20 years and 2 to 3 years in bottle before release. These wines feature strong citrus notes, complex aromas and impressive length.
-Climens: the history of this château in the south of the Barsac appellation dates back to the 16th century. Its 30 ha vineyard produces delicious, round, opulent, rich wines that can be enjoyed straight from the bottle. But these 1er cru classé wines can also reveal the full complexity of their flavors and nuances, and the sensuality of their aromas, after 4 to 5 decades.
-Suduiraut: this château's 90-hectare vineyard belongs to AXA vintages. It is located close to Château d'Yquem. Classified as a Premier Cru in 1855, the wines of this château are mellow, full-bodied, of great purity and remarkable finesse. They exude varied aromas of fruit and flowers, with a persistent finish and good ageing potential. This château prefers integrated viticulture and low yields to guarantee the quality of its wines.
-Guiraud: Canadian Hamilton Narby acquired this château in 1981 and transformed it into one of the finest wine estates in Sauternes. Situated near the river Ciron, the estate is ideally situated for the development of botrytis, responsible for the noble rot that characterizes the sweet wines of Sauternes. The chateau's 100 ha produce prestigious wines known to sweet wine lovers in Bordeaux and Sauternes. Premier grand cru classé 1855 and a pioneer in ecological viticulture, this château produces wines with a rich, opulent character worthy of the great Sauternes wines.
- Coutet: classified Premier Grand Cru in the 1855 classification, this château boasts 38.5 ha of vineyards. Owned by the Baly family since 1977, it produces one of Bordeaux's sweetest, most opulent and concentrated wines. Classified as a premier grand cru in 1855, this cuvée is only produced in small quantities.
-Rieussec: the 93 ha of this Sauternes and Barsac Premier Cru Classé are located next to Château d'Yquem and Château de Fargues. The wines from this estate are concentrated flavors with thick, viscous textures. On the palate, they reveal notes of pineapple, honey, mango, apricot, caramel... They take on a darker, amber or coppery hue after a few years' ageing.
-La Tour Blanche: classified as a Premier Cru in the 1855 classification, this château is considered the best Sauternes wine producer after Château d'Yquem. Monsieur Osiris was the owner of this estate, which he bequeathed to the Ministry of Agriculture. The château's vineyards cover 40 hectares. It produces fresh, rich, powerful, exotic wines with great ageing potential. These wines have an expressive bouquet of tropical fruit and citrus with a touch of lush spice. Give the best vintages from this château 1 to 3 decades to develop complex flavors before popping the cork!
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Promotion Deal for amateurs
Bordeaux Sauternes LooseChâteau Bastor Lamontagne 1962 Bouteille (75cl) ELASpecial Price €162.00 €135.00 Regular Price €180.00stock: 1 -
Promotion Deal for amateurs
Bordeaux Sauternes LooseChâteau Bastor Lamontagne 1966 Bouteille (75cl) ELASpecial Price €150.00 €125.00 Regular Price €156.00stock: 1
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Promotion Deal for amateurs
Bordeaux SauternesChâteau Bastor Lamontagne 1966 FDSpecial Price €138.00 €115.00 Regular Price €156.00stock: 1
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Promotion Deal for amateurs
Bordeaux SauternesChâteau Bastor Lamontagne 1966 HDSpecial Price €118.80 €99.00 Regular Price €156.00stock: 1
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Bordeaux Sauternes Original Wooden Case of 12Château Bastor Lamontagne 2007€42.00 €35.00stock: 12
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Bordeaux Sauternes 2nd Cru Crème de TêteChâteau Caillou Creme de Tete 1947€540.00 €450.00stock: 2
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Promotion Deal for amateurs
Bordeaux Sauternes LooseChâteau Pajot enclave Yquem 1983 Bouteille (75cl) EASpecial Price €144.00 €120.00 Regular Price €180.00stock: 1
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Bordeaux Sauternes 1st Growth Original Wooden Case of 12Château Rabaud Promis 1995€60.00 €50.00stock: 12
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Promotion Deal for amateurs
Bordeaux Sauternes 1st GrowthChâteau Rayne Vigneau 1953 Bouteille (75cl) HESpecial Price €384.00 €320.00 Regular Price €420.00stock: 1
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Promotion Deal for amateurs
Bordeaux Sauternes 1st GrowthChâteau Rayne Vigneau 1953 MSSpecial Price €282.00 €235.00 Regular Price €420.00stock: 2
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Promotion Deal for amateurs
Bordeaux Sauternes 1st Growth LooseChâteau Rayne Vigneau 1982 Bouteille (75cl) ELASpecial Price €58.80 €49.00 Regular Price €60.00stock: 2
