Tastes likeapricot, honey, marmalade, saffron, toasted nuts
Alcohol13-14%
Serve at45-50°F (7-10°C)
GlassSmall dessert wine glass
Decant?No
What to payHalf bottles from $20
Sauternes is made from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes shriveled by “noble rot” (botrytis), which concentrates sugar and adds honey and saffron notes. Good acidity keeps it from being cloying.
Best food with Sauternes & dessert whites
CheeseBlue cheese
Port · Sauternes & dessert whites · Riesling
DessertCheesecake
Sauternes & dessert whites · Moscato · Riesling
DessertFruit pies & tarts
Moscato · Sauternes & dessert whites · Port
CheeseBrie & soft cheese
Champagne · Chardonnay · Pinot Noir
How it tastes
Apricot, peach, honey, marmalade and toasted nuts, with a long, bright finish.
Food it loves
Roquefort and other blue cheeses (the salty-sweet contrast is magic), foie gras, fruit tarts and cheesecake. The rule for dessert: the wine should be at least as sweet as the dish.
Buying tips
Half bottles (375 ml) are perfect for four people. Barsac and Hungarian Tokaji Aszú are great alternatives.
Where it’s grown
Sauternes & Barsac (Bordeaux) Tokaj (Hungary) Late-harvest wines worldwide
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