The Top 5 Reasons You Need to Drink Sauternes Tonight
Sauternes, a sweet and complex wine, is often overlooked as a dessert wine choice. Here are the top 5 reasons why you should give this wine a try:
A unique flavor: Sauternes is made from grapes affected by a fungus called Botrytis Cinerea. The fungus is unique because it eats the water in the grape and causes the sugars to concentrate. Rather than being a negative thing, when Botrytis occurs on Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, it is often considered a gift of the gods. It causes the grapes to have flavors of apricot, peach, honey, and caramel.
A perfect pairing with dessert: Sauternes pairs well with a variety of desserts, including fruit tarts, crème brûlée, and certain cheeses. The sweetness of the wine complements the dessert while the acidity cuts through the richness, leaving a balanced and harmonious finish. I personally love it with goat cheese buttons, lightly caramelized on top, fresh out from under a broiler.
A wine that ages well: Sauternes can age for decades, developing even more complexity and richness over time. This makes it an excellent wine to cellar and enjoy on special occasions or to give as a gift.
A versatile wine: Despite being a dessert wine, Sauternes can also be enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with savory dishes such as foie gras or roasted chicken.
An iconic wine region: Sauternes is produced in the Sauternes region of Bordeaux, France, known for its historic châteaux and beautiful vineyards. Enjoying a glass of Sauternes is not only a sensory experience but a cultural one as well. That said, similar-styled dessert wines are made in Napa and Sonoma as well. My favorite is Nickel and Nickel’s Dolce (and my favorite vintage is 2007, if you can find it).
In conclusion, Sauternes dessert wine offers a unique flavor, perfect pairing with desserts, aging potential, versatility, and a connection to an iconic wine region. So next time you are looking for a dessert wine, consider trying Sauternes for a truly special experience.
To try some new wines and discover how to develop your palate, schedule an in-home wine tasting with me!