Wine Atlas

Sauternes

Sauternes is an AOC located in the Bordeaux region of France, for its sweet dessert wines. The appellation is defined by its unique microclimate, which fosters the development of Botrytis cinerea, or noble rot, on the grapes. This process enhances the concentration of sugars and flavors in the fruit, primarily Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, leading to the production of rich, complex wines. The legal boundaries of Sauternes encompass several communes, with Barsac being a notable subregion that can also produce wines under its own appellation.

Sweet dessert wines with rich, complex flavors