AOC Spotlight: Cérons

While this appellation’s small-scale production may not draw much attention, wine brokers consider its dessert wines to be Bordeaux’s best kept secret. 

The sweet wines of Cérons have notes of candied and roasted fruit with citrus and exotic fruit at the nose. They have a full body with viscous texture and a finish that is livelier than that of Barsac wines. 

Fun fact: The village’s history has been linked to the vine since the time of the Romans. 

(Source: bordeaux.com)

AOC Spotlight: Loupiac

Located at the foot of hills and on steep slopes between Cadillac and Saint Croix de Mont is the appellation of Loupiac. This ideal location is excellent for permitting excellent waterflow and for receiving maximum sun from southern exposure.  The soil is comprised of clay and limestone or clay and sand to the east. 

The well-known estates of this region are Clos Jean, Château de Ricaud, Château Loupiac-Gaudiet and Château Rondillon. Loupiac wines have notes of fruit, figs, honey, currant and prune and are often softer and lighter than the sweet wines on the other side of the bank in Sauternes. 

Fun fact: The average yearly production of this AOC is 1.8 million wine bottles. 

AOC Spotlight: Sauternes

About 25 miles southeast of Bordeaux is the appellation of Sauternes, a region dedicated to the production of high quality Sweet Bordeaux wines including famous staples Yquem, Raymond-Lafon, and Rieussec. The conditions of its microclimate, which alternates between damp and warm, are ideal conditions for the development of Botrytis fungus. The beautiful views and local culture make this appellation a perfect summer getaway location. 

Fun Fact: Sauternes held their first marathon at the beginning of the month. Check out who won and the runners’ creative outfits here. 

AOC Spotlight: Barsac

Located in the south of the Bordeaux region, the Barsac AOC produces sweet wines that are considered among the best in the region, such as Chateau Climens and Chateau Coutet. The high quality of Sweet Bordeaux in Barsac can be largely attributed to the local climate of the Ciron river’s left bank. The morning mist along with a particularly high exposure for the Bordeaux region are the perfect leads for the proper development of Botrytis fungus. 

Fun fact: Wine growers in Barsac have a choice to market their wine under the Barsac AOC or the Sauternes AOC.

AOC Spotlight: Cadillac

Chateau Cadillac is one of the oldest chateaux in Bordeaux located on right bank of the River Garonne. While the appellation of Cadillac produces much less wine than their sweet wine making neighbors, the beautiful region yields delicious Sweet Bordeaux - some of which you can find for a fraction of the price. 

Fun Fact: The Cadillac (car) was named after a Frenchman who acquired the name Cadillac during his military career and who went on to discover a small village which later was to become Detroit, Michigan. 

(Source: vignobles-lesgourgues.com )

Aging Gracefully: The Flavors of Sweet Bordeaux

Patience is key – especially with Sweet Bordeaux. Time is this exquisite wine’s best friend and with a cellar life of over 10 years, time only makes drinking this sweet wine more enjoyable. 

As Sweet Bordeaux ages, its flavor evolves. The high concentration of sugar and acidity allow it to age gracefully in the right conditions (i.e. stable temperature between 50°F and 59°F, low humidity and no light).

Sweet Bordeaux’s flavors can be easily reflected in its color. As it ages, the wine goes through a predictable color change from light gold to tints of orange to slightly amber.

• Young, lightly golden wines have intense fruit flavors of apricot, pineapple, and pear.
• An orange tint indicates that the sweetness is burned off and more subtle flavors of apricot, honey and toffee remain. 
• Older, amber tinted wines have lower acidity levels allowing more complex, matured flavors to come through.

Did you know that Sweet Bordeaux could be kept open for at least 15 days?

Decoding Sweet Bordeaux: Part 5, Temperature

Now that we’ve explored Sweet Bordeaux’s most distinct traits, it’s important that we close the week with a tip on the best way to serve it to your friends and family - chilled!

In order to enjoy the perfect balance of Sweet Bordeaux’s sugary and acidic flavor components, it should be served at a temperature of 46.4-53.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Enjoy!

So tell us, what new things did you learn about Sweet Bordeaux? What else are you interested in learning? Leave a comment!

Decoding Sweet Bordeaux: Part 4, Taste

After the aroma notes of Sweet Bordeaux tickle your nose, you’ll be delighted to explore the complexities of its exquisite taste.

Sweet Bordeaux’s taste varies according to the terroirs of its grapes’ origin, the process of its making, and its age. The culmination of these factors makes Sweet Bordeaux perfect for pairing with many foods including fruity or spicy exotic dishes, cheeses, tarts, sorbets and also fish, poultry, or white meat.

Quick tip: Sweet Bordeaux should be paired with strong flavors or mild flavors served with a contrasting agent (such as basil, ginger, or wasabi). 

Decoding Sweet Bordeaux: Part 3, Aroma

A perfect prelude to Sweet Bordeaux’s savory taste, the combination of Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle grapes creates a symphony of aroma notes that can be distinctly identified with this sweet wine. 

The Sémillon grape provides notes of almond, angelica, honey, green apple, fresh butter, and cinnamon. Sauvignon Blanc contributes tasting notes of citrus and tropical fruit while Muscadelle provides hints of musc and floral notes. 

Random fact: Approximately 80-90% of what we perceive as “taste” can be attributed to the sense of smell - making it hard to enjoy your Sweet Bordeaux when you have a cold!

Decoding Sweet Bordeaux: Part 2, Grapes

The 11 appellations of Bordeaux, France cultivate the perfect environment for the growth of Sweet Bordeaux’s key ingredients – its grapes!

Comprised of 80% Sémillon, 15% Sauvignon Blanc, and 5% Muscadelle that are carefully handpicked, this sweet wine’s unique taste is the result of Botrytis cinerea, also known as noble rot. This process of creating partially raisined grapes causes the flavor to be highly concentrated and uniquely delicious.

Did you know that it is uncommon for an entire grapevine to only produce enough juice to make a single glass of Sweet Bordeaux?