Sauternes

The Sauternes appellation is a section of the Graves wine region, situated around 40 miles south of the city of Bordeaux in France. It has a maritime climate and this, coupled with mists resulting from the influences of the Ciron and Garonne rivers, mean that grapes in the region are frequently affected by 'noble rot'. As a result, wines from the Sauternes benefit from concentrated flavours and a distinctive sweetness.

More specifically, Sauternes is famous around the world for its high-quality, sweet white wines, which are primarily made from the Semillon grape variety, although the Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle grapes are also grown in certain parts of the region. The high production costs associated with noble rot affections and climatic risks mean that Sauternes wines are unique, highly sought-after and can be expensive to purchase.