Which Sauternes producers are officially classified?
No official source ranks the most popular or best Sauternes producers. The official 1855 classification names 27 estates in Sauternes and Barsac: Chateau d'Yquem alone as premier cru superieur, 11 premiers crus and 15 seconds crus. The INAO rules for the Sauternes appellation also set what any producer must do, such as a minimum 15% natural alcohol from grapes with noble rot.
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Who are the best Sauternes producers?
We found no official ranking of best or most popular producers. The closest official reference is the 1855 classification, a historical list. The Sauternes-Barsac growers’ site lists 27 classified estates, and the INAO appellation rules describe the same structure: only one premier cru superieur (Chateau d’Yquem), 11 premiers crus and 15 seconds crus. Being classified in 1855 does not tell you which wine is best today.
Which estates are premiers crus?
- Chateau La Tour Blanche
- Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey
- Chateau Clos Haut-Peyraguey
- Chateau de Rayne-Vigneau
- Chateau Suduiraut
- Chateau Coutet (Barsac)
- Chateau Climens (Barsac)
- Chateau Guiraud
- Chateau Rieussec
- Chateau Rabaud-Promis
- Chateau Sigalas-Rabaud
Which estates are seconds crus?
The growers’ list names de Myrat, Doisy-Daene, Doisy-Dubroca, Doisy-Vedrines, d’Arche, Filhot, Broustet, Nairac, Caillou, Suau, de Malle, Romer du Hayot, Romer, Lamothe and Lamothe-Guignard. Estate names and divisions have changed since 1855, so use the current producer list for buying.
What do all Sauternes producers have to follow?
The INAO specification covers still white wine from five communes: Barsac, Bommes, Fargues, Preignac and Sauternes. Allowed grapes are Muscadelle, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris and Semillon. Grapes must be harvested by hand, in successive passes, at overripeness with noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). Grape sugar must reach at least 221 g per liter of must, with at least 15% natural alcohol potential and at least 12% actual alcohol in the wine. The text we read is the 2011 decree version; later amendments may differ. It describes no fortification.
Drink alcohol responsibly; a 5 fl oz glass is not the same as a US standard drink, which contains 14 g of alcohol (NIAAA).
People also ask
What is the best Sauternes?
No official source ranks them. The 1855 classification puts Chateau d'Yquem alone at the top as premier cru superieur, with 11 premiers crus and 15 seconds crus.
How much alcohol is in Sauternes?
The INAO rules require at least 12% actual alcohol and at least 15% natural alcohol potential from the grapes.
Is Sauternes fortified?
The INAO specification describes it as a still white wine made from grapes with noble rot and mentions no fortification.
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