Sauternes
Sauternes is a sweet white wine from the Sauternais region of the Graves section in Bordeaux, France. It's renowned for its luscious sweetness, which is a result of being made from grapes affected by noble rot, a beneficial mold called Botrytis cinerea. This mold dehydrates the grapes, concentrating their sugars and flavors, resulting in a rich, complex wine with flavors of honey, apricot, peach, and sometimes a hint of botrytis-induced "funk."
The primary grape varieties used in Sauternes are Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle. Sémillon typically dominates the blend due to its susceptibility to noble rot and its ability to develop rich, honeyed flavors. The wine is usually served as a dessert wine due to its sweetness but can also pair excellently with foie gras, blue cheeses, and other rich or savory dishes.
Sauternes wines are classified under the Bordeaux wine classification system, which ranks them among the finest and most prestigious wines in the world. Some of the most famous producers of Sauternes include Château d'Yquem, Château Suduiraut, and Château Coutet.