Appellation Sauternes

The appellation extends on the left bank of the Garonne. Between plateaus and valleys, it covers a wide variety of soils composed of sands, gravels and clays. It is on the gravelly ridges that are implanted the most famous châteaux. In Bordeaux, the most prestigious sweet wine in the world is undoubtedly Château d'Yquem. Derived from noble rot and gold color in their youth, large sauternes over time take amber tones darker and darker, while their bouquet becomes more complex. The older ones have an exceptional aging potential of up to a century! The aromatic palette is very large with scents of honey, hazelnut, candied orange, quince, white flowers and toasty notes. On the palate, the wine is powerful, fat and very elegant. Sauternes are the only white wines to have been classified in 1855. Twenty-seven estates are included in the 1855 ranking of white wines.

>> see our article "Official classification of 1855"

Among the biggest châteaux of Sauternes the essential are Yquem, Climens, Coutet, Lafaurie-Peyraguey, Rieussec, Gilette, Suduiraut, La Tour Blanche.

Area: 1700 ha / Soils: gravelly, clay-limestone, limestone / Grape varieties: sémillon, sauvignon, muscadelle / aging potential: 20 years and older (up to 100 years for the biggest vintages)