Sauternes AOC

It is impossible to talk about sweet wine without mentioning the famous Sauternes! Produced using precise expertise and a unique terroir, it stands out as one of Bordeaux's most refined expressions. It is renowned for its aromatic richness, silky texture and exceptional balance. But before becoming a wine that fascinates both connoisseurs and novices alike, Sauternes is an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, one of the first AOCs to be recognised.

The story of an exceptional wine: Sauternes

The history of Sauternes dates back to ancient times, when the Romans planted the first vines in the region. It was not until the 17th century that the tradition of harvesting ‘almost rotten’ grapes began, as they were picked late in the autumn and in several stages. As early as 1741, writings mention this unique method, which forges the identity of this sweet Bordeaux wine. The 19th century marked its golden age: in 1855, the Exposition Universelle consecrated Sauternes with its famous classification of Bordeaux wines, dominated by the legendary Château d'Yquem, Premier Cru Supérieur. In 1936, the recognition of the Sauternes AOC definitively sealed the worldwide recognition of this exceptional wine.

The Sauternes region, a unique microclimate

Covering more than 1,500 hectares, the Sauternes vineyard is located on the left bank of the Garonne River, about 40 kilometres south of Bordeaux. The vineyard covers five communes, namely Sauternes, Barsac, Bommes, Preignac and Fargues. If this appellation produces the world's greatest sweet wines, it is primarily thanks to its unique microclimate. The magic happens when the Ciron, a cold river from the Landes region, meets the warmer Garonne. This temperature contrast causes condensation. The morning mists of autumn followed by sunny days promote the development of noble rot or Botrytis cinerea. This fungus dries out the grapes, increasing their residual sugar concentration and developing their aromas. The result is the typical flavours of Sauternes wines.

A sweet wine from Bordeaux born from unique expertise

Sauternes is an exceptional wine that relies on unique and precise expertise. This sweet wine is made exclusively from the most botrytised grapes. As the development of this fungus is not uniform, the harvest takes place over several months, requiring 3 to 5 successive selections. This process is followed by meticulous vinification, resulting in a rich and concentrated wine.

Wine aside, Sauternes seduces novice palates with its sweetness and roundness, while captivating connoisseurs with its aromatic depth and balance.

An incomparable taste experience

Recognised as one of the world's greatest sweet wines, Sauternes offers a natural concentration of sugars and aromas, resulting from noble rot. This sweet white wine reveals an explosion of aromas, ranging from citrus, exotic fruits and orchard fruits to white flowers. Connoisseurs particularly appreciate the complexity of its bouquet, which evolves over time. With age, the aromas blend and mellow, revealing nuances of dried and candied fruit and notes of sweet spices. Characterised by its high sweetness, Sauternes wine always has a beautiful freshness (acidity), balancing its richness.

Great gastronomic versatility

Thanks to its richness and aromatic complexity, Sauternes pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Traditionally, it is served with foie gras, blue cheeses and fruity desserts such as thin apple tart or rhubarb crumble. Served slightly chilled, this sweet wine also works wonders with shellfish, white meats (roast chicken, sweetbreads, etc.), sweet and savoury dishes such as duck with peaches, and Asian dishes.

Between legendary vintages, more affordable Sauternes half bottles and the Premiers Crus Classés in our selection, each bottle of Sauternes is perfect for a specific occasion and desire.

What is the best Sauternes to offer a beginner or a connoisseur?

To please a wine lover who has never tasted a glass of Sauternes, choose a vintage that offers a nice balance between sweetness, acidity and aromas, without being too complex. Opt for a young white Sauternes wine, releasing aromas of tropical fruits, citrus fruits or yellow fruits with a smooth and creamy texture. If you are patient, you can store it in your cellar for several decades. For a connoisseur, opt for an older vintage, which is much more complex and structured. Collectors of prestigious wines will find what they are looking for in a bottle of Château d'Yquem, Château Suduiraut or Château Rieussec.

1998, 2004, 2016, 2022... which Sauternes vintage to choose?

The choice of vintage depends mainly on your preferences: a young wine that is more accessible and full of freshness, or an older vintage for greater complexity. The best Sauternes vintages are those that have benefited from ideal climatic conditions, producing grapes that are rich in sugar with preserved acidity. Each Sauternes vintage has its own unique personality. Ready to drink, the 1998 vintage is of exceptional quality and has excellent ageing potential. The 2004 vintage is extremely elegant, radiating freshness and balance. The 2016 offers unusual freshness, perfectly balanced with great aromatic richness. Ready to drink now or to be kept in the cellar, the 2022 vintage stands out for its richness, elegance and aromatic palette of caramelised notes and candied fruit.

Sauternes prices: what is your budget?

The Sauternes price varies depending on the estate, the vintage, the bottle size and the rarity of the cuvée. Entry-level bottles, which are nonetheless of high quality, start at around £25, while Grands Crus Classés can exceed several hundred pounds. Vinatis offers a wide selection of sweet wines from Sauternes to suit all budgets, from little gems to fine wines for collectors.

At Vinatis, choosing your Sauternes wine is simple and reliable. Award labels, verified customer reviews, the ‘Top Customer Rated’ selection and intuitive filters (price, producers, food/wine pairings, etc.) guide you to the best bottles.

For the best tasting experience, serve your Sauternes chilled, at a temperature between 10°C and 13°C. If it is too cool, the aromas will not develop. If served at too high a temperature, the sweetness of the wine will be accentuated. Ideally, open your bottle a little in advance, one to two hours for an older vintage, to allow the aromatic profile to fully express itself.

Vinatis offers a rich and varied selection of Sauternes wines, tasted by the tasting committee's experts and chosen for their excellent value for money. Throughout the year, don't miss out on regular promotional offers, great deals and sales events such as Christmas Offers and Wine Fairs to buy your Sauternes white wine at the best price on the internet.

Thanks to our high-quality logistics, bottles of Sauternes are carefully stored in climate-controlled warehouses. The bottles are shipped in custom packaging, guaranteeing their integrity until they reach your cellar. Whether you are buying a Sauternes for a special occasion, to add to your collection or as a gift, by choosing Vinatis, you benefit from the expertise of a renowned and passionate online wine merchant.