Tesco Finest Sauternes 37.5cl (Half Bottle)

Expert Opinion

In the press...

Of the 2009 vintage, David Williams said: "Finally for the pud or, even better, the Stilton, a luscious sweet white from Bordeaux's top sticky wine appellation, Sauternes - home of the legendary Chateau d'Yquem, among others. The flavours here are a little like those jars of peaches in syrup you find in delis at this time of year, only this has more freshening acidity and a honeyed edge, while its half-bottle size means it doubles up nicely as a stocking filler."

Background

History

The Sauternes region has produced uniquely sweet style wines since well before the 18th century. The vagaries of climate from vintage to vintage, the extended length of time winegrowers must wait for noble rot (botrytis) to develop in the vineyards, and the time-consuming and meticulous harvesting techniques, combine to make Sauternes a very expensive, and very challenging, wine to produce.

Winemaking details

Yvon Mau Producers Club

Regional info

The Sauternes region is located about forty kilometres southeast of Bordeaux. There are five communes: Sauternes, Barsac, Fargues de Langon, Bommes and Preignac. The Sauternes region is unique in that it is dedicated to producing exclusively sweet style wines. It excels in the development of "noble rot", or Botrytis, which is the critical ingredient in producing these great, naturally sweet wines. Sauternes with blue cheese or foie gras are classic wine and food pairings; it also makes a delicious aperitif, or digestif after a meal.