Sauternes Blend

Sauternes blend wines are sweet and hail from Bordeaux, France. They feature Sauternes grapes as well as sauvignon blanc and sémillon grapes. Sauternes blend wines are Bordeaux’s most expensive to produce.

Sauternes grapes are strategically planted close to the Garonne River, as the grapes are likely to develop noble rot there. This results in raisin-like characteristics that express full-bodied flavor on the palate. Other flavor notes include honey and stone fruits, such as apricots and peaches, as well as a long finish. Even in a year where noble rot does not occur, all is not lost. Winemakers will still use Sauternes grapes to produce a dry white wine.

Storied producers of Sauternes include Château d’Yquem. In 2013, a case of the winery's 2007 vintage fetched $4,900. Laying Sauternes down in the cellar truly pays off because as the years go on, the wine develops notes of butterscotch and caramel.

Quick Facts

• One of the reasons for Sauternes’ high prices is that production swings from year to year, with no guarantee that every year will produce a high yield
• President Thomas Jefferson adored Sauternes wines and traveled to Bordeaux often
• Perhaps the most common food pairing with Sauternes is the equally indulgent foie-gras