Sauternes

Sauternes is a French sweet wine from the Sauternais region of the Graves section in Bordeaux.

Sauternes is made from Sémillon, Sauvignon blanc, and Muscadelle grapes that have been affected by Botrytis cinerea, also known as noble rot.

The appellation consists of five communes: Barsac, Preignac, Bommes, Fargues and Sauternes itself. Barsac is also an appellation in its own right.

The great "liquoreux" wines can be tasted and appreciated, on their own, as an aperitif or just for the sake of pleasur. At the same time, contrary to conventional opinion, sweeet white wines, especially the Sauternes and Barsac, can be drunk throughout a meal.

They go well with all sorts of foods:  foie gras, fine-fleshed fish, butter or cream-based sauces, poultry or other cooked white meats, veined cheeses and certain desserts (not too sweet), and even with chocolate.