The white wines of Sauternes and Barsac (sweet) are located 40 km south-west of Bordeaux. For 4 centuries, the Sauternes vineyards have been producing sweet white wines of incomparable quality. This is the birthplace of Château d'Yquem (the best and most famous, Yquem featured in the 1855 classification as a Premier Cru Supérieur). The other best Châteaux in Barsac and Sauternes were classified either as Premier Cru classé (11) or Second Cru classé (15). The influence of two rivers, the Garonne and the Ciron, favours the appearance of Botrytis Cinerea (noble rot) on the skins of Sémillon, Sauvignon and Muscadelle grapes from September onwards. This fungus has the particularity of drying out the grapes and giving them "roasted", honey and wax aromas... The great sweet wines of Sauternes and Barsac are of rare finesse and distinction, with incredible length on the palate. The great Sauternes wines can be kept for a very long time in exceptional vintages such as 1945, 1947, 1949, 1955, 1959, 1967, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 2001, 2007 and 2009. The best food and wine combinations are with foie gras, fish, poached poultry and certain blue-veined cheeses (Stilton, Roquefort). Finally, an old Sauternes can be drunk on its own. It should be drunk at a temperature of around 8 to 9°C. A great Sauternes/Barsac wine is the perfect birthday present for those born in these famous years, as it will be a pleasure to drink and will keep for a long time.
The great white Bordeaux wines are available at Vins & Millésimes! Grand cru wines and old vintages, always 100% in stock and with fast, secure shipping! Treat yourself by buying wine online from our site and take advantage of our great bargains, exceptional wines at special prices!