AOC Sauternes
The main peculiarity of this AOC is that their wines are made from grapes affected by Botrytis cinerea, called noble rot. This causes the grapes are partially raisin, what is a higher concentration of sugar and wines with distinctive aroma.
Because of its climate, Sauternes is one of the few wine regions where infection noble rot is something that happens often.
In the years that does not develop noble rot, Sauternes producers often make dry white wine with the generic AOC Bordeaux.
Production area
It is located thirty kilometers south of Bordeaux. Situated on the left bank of the Garonne, extends on both sides of the river Ciron. It covers five municipalities: Barsac, Bommes, Fargues and Sauternes Preignac.
It covers about 1735 hectares.
Soil
The ground is often gravel with a subsoil of clay and limestone.
Climate
This area has an oceanic climate.
White Strains
Major: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle. Although you can use without rule of proportion, it is normal that the Sémillon dominates with 75% -90% of the mixture.
Types wine
The wine of Sauternes is a sweet white wine (dessert wine). It is usually served at about 8-9°C, although the best Sauternes are served at 14°C.
- Sweet white wine. It is characterized by a balance of sweetness with acidity claw. Aromas are appreciated apricots, honey and peaches. They are wines that age well, with examples that have come to last up to 100 years (in exceptional vintages and optimal preservation system). The wines must have a minimum of 13% alcohol and pass a test where the wines need to be remarkably sweet. The sugar should be a minimum of 221 grams per liter of wort.
Planting Requirements
Base Performance. A maximum of 25-28 hectoliters per hectare.
Planting density. A minimum of 6,500 plants per hectare.
Distances. The distance between rows shall not exceed 1.90 meters. The distance between the vines in the row must be at least 0.80 meters.
Regulatory Council
Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB)
1, cours du XXX Juillet.
33075 - Bordeaux Cedex
France
Tel.: +33 (0)5 56 00 22 66
Wineries List
Château de Myrat
Designation of Origin Sauternes
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Château d’Yquem
Designation of Origin Sauternes
-Sauternes
Château Haut Claverie
Designation of Origin Sauternes
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Château Lamothe-Guignard
Designation of Origin Sauternes
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Château Pierrie Saint-Maxime
Designation of Origin Sauternes
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Château Tuyttens-Laville - Haut Coustet
Designation of Origin Sauternes
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Cru d'Arche Pugneau
Designation of Origin Sauternes
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Domaine de Couite
Designation of Origin Sauternes
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Domaine de Monteils
Designation of Origin Sauternes
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Domaine Rousset Peyraguey
Designation of Origin Sauternes
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