Grands vins - Sauternes - Barsac - Loupiac

Sauternes

Most typical appellation of the syrupy Bordeaux wines, including tbe mythical Grand Cru Classé Château d'Yquem, considered as the greatest syrupy wine in the world, and other Grands Crus Classés such as Château Rieussec, Château Suduirant and Clos Haut Peyraguey. Its vineyard spreads over 1735 ha, 40 km south of Bordeaux, and includes five communes like Barsac, which has its own appellation. Thanks to excellent conditions like the weather protection from the pine forest at the west, the nocturnal fog provided by the Garonne river and the sunny autumns, favorable to the development of Botrytis cinerea, mushroom also known as « noble rot », the appellation produces 34 260 hl of great wines, under stict conditions including manual harvest of overripe grapes, grape by grape and in several stages. Most of the Grands Crus Classés are located in the highest and farthest part from the river.

Main grape varieties : sémillon (mostly), muscadelle, sauvignon

Soils : Gravel, clay-limestone, limestone

Style of wines : Somptuous old golden color, leaning towards a warm amber for matured wines. Incredibly complex and intense nose with an exuberant aromatic range of fruits, notes of flowers and honey, spices, marzipan and beeswax. In the mouth, ample, powerful, smooth, elegant and perfectly well-balanced between tart finesse and depth, a long persistence for these exceptionally high-quality wines.

 Barsac

Separated from Sauternes by the Ciron river, this appellation is located on the left bank of the Garonne river and benefits from a specific climate : autumn with morning fog and sunny afternoons, favorable to the development of botrytis cinerea, mushroom also known as « noble rot » and necessary for the production of great syrupy white wines.

Famous for its complexity, this appellation includes 10 Grands Crus Classés from 1855 such as the famous Château Doisy Daëne, Château Coutet and Château Climens. Its wines may be sold under the Sauternes appellation, but the opposite is not true.

Main grape varieties : sémillon (mostly), muscadelle, sauvignon

Soils : Clay, limestone or gravel.

Style of wines : Golden color leaning towards amber with maturation for these fine, elegant and refined wines. Intense nose with aromas of peach, exotic fruits and notes of honey, hazelnut, dried apricot, candied orange, vanilla and brioche. In the mouth, ample, well-balanced between richness and freshness with every aromas of the nose. Long and persistent finish.

Loupiac

Less publicized, this appellation benefits from every conditions favorable to the development of Botrytis cinerea (noble rot necessary to the production of great syrupy wines), such as a beautiful sunshine, a very good natural drainage, autumnal fog and the presence of the Garonne river. The Loupiac vineyard (350 ha, 12 550 hl) is located on small hills 40km south of Bordeaux.

Main grape varieties : Sémillon (majoritaire), sauvignon, muscadelle.

Soils : Clay, gravel

Style of wines : Beautiful yellow color with hints of gold for these generous and fine wines. Elegant and complex nose with aromas of candied fruits, exotic fruits, fig and notes of spices, yellow flowers, honey, acacia, Corinthe grape and dried prune. In the mouth, ample and smooth with an elegant structured and a beautifull acidity. Persistent and aromatic finish.