Forty kilometers south of Bordeaux is the appellation of Sauternes, dedicated like no other, to the production of the highest quality sweet and luscious dessert wines.
According to the strict Sauternes appellation laws, The four grape varieties which may be used to produce these wines are Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle and Sauvignon Gris. Semillon is the predominant variety, because it is the most susceptible to the 'noble rot' (Botrytis cinerea), which dries out the grapes and concentrates their flavors. Sauvignon Blanc adds fresher, aromatic notes, while Muscadelle and Sauvignon Gris are used in minimal proportions for complexity, at the discretion of the winemaker. (© Proprietary Content, Wine-Searcher)
These grapes must be grown in vineyards where the planting density is at least 6,500 plants per hectare (2,631 per acre), and the grapes may only be picked when their must weight reaches 221 grams per liter. This leads to a naturally high level of residual sugar in the finished wine. Chaptalization is permitted in Sauternes, but only to a limited extent, and only in poor vintages. Chaptalization increases only the potential alcohol content of the grape juice, and not the complexity of the wine, so it is generally a last resort.
Sauternes' premium sweet wines are extremely expensive to make. The main costs are brought about by three factors. First, skilled grape pickers must be paid to make the necessary multiple passes (or tries successives in French) through the vineyards, searching for grapes affected by Botrytis. Second, Sauternes wines are usually fermented and aged in expensive oak barriques for between 18 and 36 months, costing both time and money. The third cost is that of substantial risk - the risk of leaving grapes on the vines for an extended period of time. Destructive frost, rain and grey rot (undesirable mould) all become threats at this point, and there is no guarantee that botrytis will develop at all. It is not unknown for a Sauternes vintage to produce only a minute quantity of its special wine.
The most impressive Sauternes wines have an intense golden color that is darker than most other dessert wines. As they age in the bottle, they develop a spectacular amber color. The aromas show remarkable freshness, complexity and balance. Blossom and stone-fruit meld together to create an impressive bouquet. On the palate, wines are powerful, rich and full, but also extremely elegant.
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