The Sauternes region is located 40 km southeast of the city of Bordeaux. It is near the Garonne river and its tributary, the Ciron river. The Ciron has cooler waters than the Garonne and in autumn, the climate is warm and dry. The different temperatures from the two rivers produce mist that descends on the grapes in the evening and morning. The sun in the afternoon dries the grapes but if the grapes are ripe, Botrytis cinerea fungus develops, which is known as noble rot.
The Sauternes wine region consist of five communes: Barsac, Sauternes, Bommes, Fargues and Preignac. Barsac, even though it is in the Sauterne region has decided to promote their own region and label their wines "Barsac". In general, Barsac wines are drier, more acidic and are lighter in body. Wineries in Sauterne also produce dry white wines, particularly in years where noble rot does not occur.Semillon is the main grape varietal used in Sauternes wines. Semillon has thin skins, so they easily get infected with the Botrytis fungus. Semillon adds texture to Sauternes wine.
There are 3 major grapes grown in Sauternes:
Semillion - this is the predominant grape grown in Sauternes. It is a thin skinned grape that is very susceptible to noble rot.
Sauvignon Blanc - this grape is less prone to developing noble rot. Sauvignon Blancadds more acidity and crispness to the Sauternes wines.
Muscadelle - Muscadelle is a very fickle grape that is susceptible to many other grape diseases. For this reason, not a lot of Muscadelle is grown in Sauternes anymore. It adds a floral aroma to the wine blend.
There was a classification of Sauternes wines in 1855 divided into
Premier Cru Superiore (First Great Growth) - Chateau D'Yquem
Premier Cru (First Growth) - 11 wines
Chateau La Tour Blanche
Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey
Chateau Clos Haut-Peyraguey
Chateau de Rayne Vigneau
Chateau Suduiraut
Chateau Coutet
Chateau Climens
Chateau Guiraud
Chateau Rabaud-Promis
Chateau Sigalas Rabaud
Chateau Rieussec
Second Cru (Second Growth) - 14 wines
Chateau de Myrat
Chateau Doisy-Daene
Chateau Doisy Dubroca
Chateau Doisy-Vedrines
Chateau d'Arche
Chateau Filhot
Chateau Broustet
Chateau Nairac
Chateau Caillou
Chateau Suau
Chateau de Malle
Chateau Romer du Hayot
Chateau Lamothe Despujols
Chateau Lamothe Guignard