What are the ideal serving temperatures for Sauternes wine?
Serve Sauternes chilled but not ice cold. Trade sources suggest anywhere from about 9 to 14 degrees C (48 to 57 degrees F): one French wine merchant recommends 9 to 10 C, another site 10 to 14 C, and Wine Spectator suggests cellar temperature, about 55 F (13 C).
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In this article
What temperature should Sauternes be served at?
The published advice runs from the low 9s to about 14 degrees Celsius:
| Source | Advice |
|---|---|
| Comptoir des Millesimes (merchant) | 9 to 10 C (48 to 50 F), chilled but not too chilled |
| Les Passionnes du Vin (trade guide) | 10 to 14 C (50 to 57 F) |
| Wine Spectator, Dr. Vinny | Cellar temperature, about 55 F (13 C) |
There is no single official figure, so pick a point in this range. A practical rule: cooler for young, simple bottles, a little warmer for older or more complex ones.
What happens if it is too cold or too warm?
Wine Spectator says a Sauternes served too cold might seem shut down, and one served too warm might seem flabby.
How to chill it
- A few hours in the fridge, then a short rest on the counter, gets you into the range (our rule of thumb, not a published figure).
- Do not leave it for days in a cold fridge; chill for serving.
- A short ice bucket works if you are in a hurry.
What is Sauternes?
Sauternes is a sweet white wine from Bordeaux, made from grapes concentrated by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). Semillon dominates, with Sauvignon, Sauvignon Gris and Muscadelle also allowed.
What goes well with it?
The traditional match is foie gras or a dessert, and blue cheeses are highly recommended (Les Passionnes du Vin). Comptoir des Millesimes names Bleu d’Auvergne, fourme d’Ambert and fruit tart. Serve it in small pours at the start of dessert or with the cheese. Good bottles age for years, Les Passionnes du Vin says 5 to 25 years, so a mature bottle may be best at the warmer end of the range.
People also ask
Should Sauternes be served cold?
Chilled, not ice cold. Sources suggest roughly 9 to 14 C (48 to 57 F).
Do you refrigerate Sauternes?
Chill it before serving. For longer storage use a cool, dark place; we found no official rule.
What food goes with Sauternes?
Foie gras, blue cheeses and fruit desserts such as fruit tart are the usual pairings.
Sources
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