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Producers in Sauternes, France

Description of Sauternes:

The idyllic, rustic region of Sauternes, south of Bordeaux, is renowned for the mellifluous, unctuous elixir of sweet wines that were once held in greater esteem than even the most prestigious premiers crus. It is in Sauternes that vines - mainly sémillon and sauvignon blanc with some muscadelle - are affected by a fungus named botrytis cinerea, precipitated by the mists wafting from the river. This, in turn, causes pourriture noble or "noble rot" which concentrates the grapes’ sugar, thereby creating rich, honeyed wines.

Nature is capricious and the noble rot process is a precarious one. At times mists fail to form and no botrytis-affected wine may be produced. Often even if the berries are affected, if there is no uniformity between vines, triage is necessary, whereby only suitable berries are meticulously picked. It is an unenviable task, but the results are highly rewarding.

Sauternes produces golden, intense and complex wines that defy the senses and dazzle the mind. They are rich in texture, with masses of ripe, fat fruit - pineapple, peach, apricot and strawberry - as well as creamy vanilla and a honeyed sumptuousness that is spicy and complex.

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