The secret of Sauternes is in the microclimate and the neighborhood where they are produced. In a privileged corner of Bordeaux, vineyards of Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle grapes create a golden, powerful and lusciously sweet, dessert wine thanks to the “noble rot” of botrytized grapes that turn the concentrated juice into syrup. Yields are low and labor is intensive. One glass of Sauternes is produced from one vineyard vine. Complex and aromatic, Sauternes such as those of Château Raymond-Lafon, are rich and luxurious, with a honeyed bouquet and flavor and made in the style of Château d'Yquem, whose vineyard manager creates the Sauternes of Raymond-Lafon from property that abuts d'Yquem.

Other dessert wines of great interest from our list, come from such diverse regions as the Loire, the Sud-Ouest, and Languedoc-Roussillon. Domaine du Suronde Quarts de Chaume is a high-quality, complex, long-tasting sweet Chenin Blanc, also made from botrytized grapes. Enjoyable when young, this dessert wine has great cellaring potential and will develop even greater, more complex flavors of honey and spice. The Banyuls of Domaine du Mas Blanc are made of Grenache, and offers an attractive alternative to tawny port and will cellar for as long as forty years. Domaine Piquemal Muscat de Rivesaltes Blanc is an elegant fortified blended white wine with a sweet, fruity taste. Domaine Uroulat Juracon is from one of France’s oldest appellations, and most unique white dessert wines. A blend of Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng grapes, some say have a tangy bouquet of pineapples and peaches, with a complex balance of richness and acidity. This Juracon dessert wine is fresh, dry and lusciously sweet. Seigneurs de Monbazillac is a sweet, orange flavored, botrytized white dessert wine, made from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. These “other” dessert wines, offer a pleasant alternative to the more intense and heavy style of Sauternes.

SAUTERNES

PRICE

Château Raymond-Lafon 1998 (750 ml)

$ 150.00

OTHER DESSERT WINES

PRICE

Domaine Charles Hours 2003 Uroulat Jurançon

$ 32.50