It’s true, this iconic wine has often been left to rest in the back of cellars, both in our homes and at the producers’ châteaux. There’s no time like the present to reawaken your senses to the rich, luscious notes of this extraordinary sweet wine!
Truly a one of a kind
Sauternes is, without a doubt, one of the most complex wines you’ll encounter. In its youth, it displays a vibrant golden hue, which deepens over time, evolving into shades ranging from amber to a rich tea-like colour as it ages.
From the moment it’s poured, Sauternes tantalises our senses in a way few wines can, with an aromatic profile nothing short of captivating. Those with a sweet tooth will easily perceive a symphony of honey, candied fruits, marmalade, vanilla, and tropical notes of pineapple, lychee, and quince. Not to mention a touch of citrus zest, stone fruits such as yellow peach, apricot, and Mirabelle plum, all of which are beautifully complemented by floral undertones.
But it’s not just the aromas that make Sauternes special. On the palate, it offers both impressive structure and body. Sauternes is rich, smooth, and honeyed, yet it also carries a striking freshness that speaks to its strong character.
Nothing seems to faze this “Hercules” of wines, which ages gracefully, maintaining its charm through the years. In its youth, Sauternes is vibrant and packed with a lively freshness. As it matures, it takes on refined qualities inviting quiet reflection and extending the moment.
The birth of a legend
Originating from the eponymous appellation, Sauternes owes its prestige to the unique terroir of the left bank of the Garonne River. This strategic location benefits from early morning mists and humidity rising from the Ciron Dès Potron-Minet, creating the perfect conditions for the development of noble rot, known as Botrytis Cinerea. These ideal autumn-like conditions are quickly followed by the afternoon sun, which shines down on the golden grapes, encouraging the noble rot to concentrate sugars and intensify aromas. The grapes are individually hand-picked at peak ripeness before being vinified and aged in oak barrels, a vessel that imparts the characteristic notes of vanilla Sauternes is renowned for.
The Sauternes revival
Nothing affects the perennial Sauternes. Nothing? Boredom, maybe. Once a celebrated icon, its popularity has waned with many wine lovers turning their attention elsewhere. Why? Its splendour does nothing to reassure novices, its opulence puts off modern gourmets who prepare dishes with light flavours, and its defiance in the face of time no longer attracts impatient wine lovers who don’t always have a cellar.
Undeterred, the appellation continues to work towards increasing its popularity, using its reputation as a springboard for new initiatives. Whether through the production of dry “Sauternes” wines or the introduction of Sauternes-based cocktails, the aim is clear: to re-establish Sauternes’ place in the modern wine world and bring it to new audiences.
Invite Sauternes wines to your table
So, how can we help save this wine and give it the recognition it deserves? Some, like Jean-Jacques Dubourdieu, suggest enjoying it on its own as an aperitif or pairing it with strong cheeses such as Roquefort. After all, what better match than a rich, sweet wine to enhance their saltiness and create a harmonious balance?
For those of you who like to experiment in the kitchen, iDealwine has THE perfect solution: roll up your sleeves, put on your apron, and get cooking! Tonight, you’re inviting this distinguished wine to your table, and it has much to share with you. Need a menu idea? Here’s one! The idea? Keep it simple and let the wine’s richness take centre stage!
Starter: Verrines of orzo pasta, pear, lamb’s lettuce, and Roquefort
There is no Sauternes without noble rot. The same goes for Roquefort, which is defined by the blue mould that gives it its distinctive flavour. It’s no wonder these two complement each other so well.
To make 4 verrines, cook 100g of orzo pasta and dice the pears and Roquefort.
In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and add the lamb’s lettuce. Spoon the mixture into verrines (small jars or glasses). Drizzle with a vinaigrette prepared from 50 ml balsamic vinegar and 100 ml olive oil.
Serve with a glass of Sauternes, and let its rich sweetness elevate the bold, savoury notes of the Roquefort while enhancing the fruitiness of the pears.
Main course: Chicken and pineapple coconut milk curry
Sauternes pairs well with spices, mellowing their heat with its sweet profile. Here’s a comforting and tasty recipe using ingredients you’re sure to have in your cupboards!
For 6 servings, start by chopping 1 green pepper, 1 red pepper, 1 onion, and 3 chicken breasts into bite-size pieces. Sauté the ingredients for a few minutes in olive oil.
Leave to cook for five minutes, add a generous tablespoon of yellow curry powder and allow to cook for another five minutes.
Stir in a 400 ml can of coconut milk and chunks of chopped fresh pineapple (you could also use canned pineapple). Let everything simmer until cooked to your liking.
Serve with rice.
The richness of the Sauternes will beautifully balance the spice and sweetness of the dish, the ultimate comfort food!
Dessert: Tarte Tatin
The broad, indulgent Sauternes aromatic palette isn’t solely reserved solely for savoury dishes. Sweet on sweet? Absolutely! Tarte Tatin, a delicious timeless classic will work perfectly!
Start by preparing a shortcrust pastry: mix 100 g of butter with 200 g of flour and a pinch of salt. Add just enough water to bring the dough together, then roll it out on a floured surface.
Take a deep dish and place 50 g of butter, cut into small pieces, in the bottom. Sprinkle 100 g of sugar over the butter, then arrange 750 g of thinly sliced apples on top. Ensure they’re neatly laid out. Cover the apples with your prepared pastry and
bake at 210°C (gas mark 7) for 30 minutes. Once baked, flip your Tarte Tatin over on a plate. Enjoy it hot or still warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The richness of the Sauternes will beautifully complement the caramelised sweetness of the apples, making for a truly delightful finish to your meal.
What about you? Do you have any recommendations for pairing Sauternes?
Sauternes wines at iDealwine
Ready to rediscover this liquid gold? iDealwine offers a unique selection of perfectly aged Sauternes wines, just waiting to be enjoyed. Now’s the perfect time to test some new food and wine pairings that’ll wow your tastebuds with a few grands crus classés at surprisingly accessible prices, a dream come true for wine lovers!
