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Dessert Wines

Sauternes

Botrytised sweet wine from Bordeaux, where autumn mists encourage noble rot that shrivels grapes and concentrates sugar.

In detail

Origin
Sauternes, Bordeaux.
Major regions
Sauternes · Barsac
Grapes
Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle
Flavour profile
Apricot, honey, marmalade, saffron and toasted nut.
Body
Full
Acidity
High
Sweetness
Lusciously sweet

Recommended Glass

Dessert Wine Glass

A notably small bowl on a slim stem, sized for the smaller pours that sweet wine calls for.

About this glass →

Serving Temperature

8–10°C (46–50°F)

A little cooler than room temperature for reds; properly cold but not frozen for whites and sparkling.

Food Pairings

  • Foie gras
  • Roquefort
  • Crème brûlée
  • Apricot tart
  • Blue cheese

Notable examples & brands

  • Château d'Yquem
  • Château Climens
  • Château Suduiraut