What is the best way to serve a Sauternes wine?

Sauternes wines are known throughout the world, thanks notably to Château Yquem’s reputation.

These wines are sweet and full-bodied, with usually a high level of alcohol. But its high acidity enables to balance all of this. These wines have clearly reached the bliss point!

In order to get the best of your Sauternes wine, you want to serve it right, this means : at the right time and the right temperature.

What is the best way to serve a Sauternes wine?

What is a Sauternes wine? – a quick summary

A Sauternes wine is a white sweet wine from Sauternes, an appellation in the Bordeaux wine region.

This appellation is located on the banks of the Garonne. This situation creates the ideal conditions for noble rot to develop on ripe berries in favor of autumn mists. The extent of noble rot in vines varies from year to year and raisining is sometimes necessary to promote the concentration of sugars when botrytization is not enough.

Semillon is preponderant in the assembly, because of the fineness of its film and its predisposition to botrytis. It brings a refreshing acidity and fruit aromas, while muscadelle, when included in the blend, adds a touch of exotic fragrances.

What temperature is perfect to serve Sauternes wine?

If the temperature of a wine is too low, the aromas will be altered. The wine will be closed making it seem sharper and more acidic.

On the contrary, if the temperature of a wine is too high, the alcohol will be enhanced. And no one is looking for the taste of alcohol in a wine. The wine will thus lose its finesse and freshness.

Sauternes are wines with high sugar and thus alcohol level. It is best served very fresh in order to balance these levels and enhance the acidity. A Sauternes wine should be served between 6 to 8°C (43-45°F).

When should Sauternes be served?

Sauternes usually pairs well with foie gras, traditionally served at the beginning of a meal. I like this pairing, the fat of the foie gras matches the sweetness of the Sauternes. However, switching back to dry wine, may make the latter seem harder. So generally, I stick with sparkling wine for foie gras.

Some like to pair Sauternes with sea food. This is not a pairing I am fond of. Moreover, this would mean drinking Sauternes all the meal long. Although Sauternes is a really nice wine, it may be a bit sickening after a few glasses.

Beginning with a sweet wine will likely make the other wines taste harder. I would rather leave the sweet wines for the end of the meal, for times such as cheese or dessert even.

Indeed, Sauternes pairs very well with blue cheese (which is usually the cheese you eat last, because of its flavor intensity).

Last, Sauternes pairs best with fruit tarts, or roasted pineapple. The best Sauternes offer aromas of apricot and citrus peel typical of botrytis, as well as notes of toast and vanilla due to fermentation or aging in oak.

This is when I should serve Sauternes. And if you want to enjoy your glass even more, pair it with Italians almond biscuits. The dryness of these biscuits enhances perfectly the sweetness of the wine.

In what glass should Sauternes wine be poured?

Sauternes wine should be served into middle-sized wine glasses. The fresh and fruity notes are then gathered upwards. This also makes it possible to rotate the wine and smell it.

In any case, it is essential that the glasses are perfectly clean because the slightest soiling can destroy the aromas of the wine.

Conclusion : What is the best way to serve a Sauternes wine?

A Sauternes wine should be served in middle-size glasses at a temperature of 6 to 8°C (43-45°F). Although, this is not an absolute truth (remember, we all have different tastes), I would serve Sauternes wine at the end of a meal, with blue cheese or dessert. My best dessert for Sauternes wine is dry Italian biscuits : you then make the best of your wine!

What do you think? Let me know in the comments of your favorite pairings with Sauternes wine!