What are the different grape varieties used to make Sauternes wine?

What grapes are used to make Sauternes?

Sauternes is a sweet white wine from the Bordeaux region of France, made from white grapes only. The main grapes are Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. A fourth grape, Sauvignon Gris, is grown in tiny amounts and rarely matters in the blend.

What does each grape add?

What is the usual blend of Sauternes?

One buyer’s guide says almost every vintage contains at least 70 percent Semillon, and that Sauvignon Blanc rarely outweighs it. Beyond that there is no single recipe. Each estate sets its own proportions, and they shift with the harvest, so one bottle may be almost all Semillon while another has noticeably more Sauvignon Blanc. The back label or the producer’s website is the best place to look.

How does noble rot make Sauternes sweet?

The sweetness comes from a mold called Botrytis cinerea, often called noble rot. The mold concentrates the sugar in the juice left in the grapes, and the resulting wines are sweet but balanced by acidity. Harvesting happens in several passes through the vineyard so pickers can take only the affected grapes. The number of passes depends on the vintage, and in difficult years picking can stretch over 50 to 60 days.

How should you choose a bottle?

• If you prefer fresher, brighter dessert wines, look for estates or vintages that mention a higher share of Sauvignon Blanc.
• Almost every vintage is mostly Semillon, so a bottle that mentions more Sauvignon Blanc is the one that stands out.
• If you only want a glass or two, ask your shop whether a half bottle is available.

How do you serve it?

Most sources suggest serving it chilled but not ice cold, roughly 8 to 12 degrees C (46 to 54 degrees F), in small glasses. Foie gras and blue cheese are the classic matches, and sweet desserts such as creme brulee or lemon tart also suit it. It can be enjoyed on its own too. Once opened, keep it in the fridge and taste it before each pour.