{"title":"SAUTERNES \u0026 BARSAC","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/Sauternes_Vineyards_Bnner.jpg?v=1782737817\" alt=\"Panoramic photo showing low level mist across the vineyards of Sauternes in Bordeaux\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14\"\u003eTucked away in the quiet, sun-drenched southern reaches of Bordeaux lies a specific microclimate responsible for creating the most legendary, luxurious \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14\" data-index-in-node=\"152\"\u003esweet dessert wines\u003c\/b\u003e in the world. The magic of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14\" data-index-in-node=\"199\"\u003eSauternes\u003c\/b\u003e and its close neighbour \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14\" data-index-in-node=\"233\"\u003eBarsac\u003c\/b\u003e depends entirely on a dramatic natural temperature clash. Here, the chilly, spring-fed waters of the Ciron river flow directly into the much warmer, wide stream of the Garonne. Throughout the autumn months, this encounter cloaks the low-lying vineyards in a thick, cold morning mist. When the afternoon sun breaks through to dry the valley, it triggers the development of a highly specific, beneficial fungus known as \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"14\" data-index-in-node=\"658\"\u003eBotrytis cinerea\u003c\/i\u003e, or more famously to wine lovers, \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14\" data-index-in-node=\"709\"\u003enoble rot\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"15\"\u003eThe mechanics behind this natural phenomenon are a high-stakes gamble for the winegrowers, completely transforming the appearance of the fruit. The fungus microscopic pierces the grape skins, consuming the water content inside while leaving the natural sugars, vibrant acids, and complex flavours perfectly intact. The grapes eventually shrivel into unsightly, intense grey raisins, containing only a tiny drop of precious, golden juice. Because this process spreads completely unevenly across the vineyards, machine harvesting is impossible. Teams of highly skilled pickers must walk the rows for multiple meticulous passes, hand-selecting individual grapes one by one only when they have reached the absolute peak of concentration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003eWhile \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16\" data-index-in-node=\"6\"\u003eSauternes\u003c\/b\u003e holds the global spotlight, the neighbouring village of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16\" data-index-in-node=\"72\"\u003eBarsac\u003c\/b\u003e possesses a fascinating historical quirk that offers brilliant insider value for everyday drinkers. The flatter, limestone-heavy soils of Barsac naturally yield a fractionally lighter, fresher, and more intensely floral style of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16\" data-index-in-node=\"308\"\u003epudding wine\u003c\/b\u003e. However, because of a rare legal flexibility built into the regional laws, producers here are permitted to bottle their wines under either their own name or the more commercially famous Sauternes handle. Hunting down bottles explicitly labelled as Barsac frequently reveals exceptional, world-class concentration from historic estates, delivering majestic layers of wild honey, bitter orange marmalade, and dried apricots with a refreshing, clean finish.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"chateau-coutet-premier-grand-cru-classe-barsac","title":"Château Coutet Premier Grand Cru Classé 2017","description":"\u003cp\u003eChâteau Coutet, a Classified First Growth, is a flagship sweet wine of the Barsac appellation. Straw colour, the nose has lovely aromatic notes of tropical fruit, such as lychee, mango, and pineapple, followed by aromas of quince, toasted almonds and acacia flowers. The palate is round and smooth with a good balance between freshness and fullness. This wine distinguishes itself by a good density and remarkable finesse. The finish is long, with its vivacity and its power. Overall, this vintage is marked by its elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Château Coutet","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31239556825155,"sku":"A15COUTETBARSACHB","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/Wine.jpg?v=1574935732"},{"product_id":"chateau-doisy-vedrines-sauternes-deuxieme-cru-classe","title":"Château Doisy-Védrines Sauternes Deuxième Cru Classé 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 2018 Doisy-Védrines is understated and wonderfully nuanced, just as it was from barrel. Lemon confit, apricot, passionfruit and bright floral accents lend brightness to this elegant and poised Barsac. [#intro]A wine with trademark richness \u0026amp; finesse typical of the great growths of Sauternes...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Doisy-Védrines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32275700973635,"sku":"A18DOISYVEDRINES-1","price":42.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/VinBottle.jpg?v=1610730250"},{"product_id":"r-de-rieussec-bordeaux-blanc-sec","title":"\"R\" de Rieussec Bordeaux Blanc Sec 2021\/22","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"R\" de Rieussec is a dry white wine produced at the Grand Cru estate of Château Rieussec in the Bordeaux appellation of Sauternes.  \"R\" de Rieussec was originally produced for consumption within the Rothschild family; however, the improving quality of this wine, coupled with fashion dictating a drier style meant that it was thankfully released to the general public. Global warming, and the capricious nature of noble rot (the fungus that creates the luscious wines of Sauternes) have forced producers in Sauternes to focus their attentions on the production of dry wines and \"R\" de Rieussec is one of the finest examples of this modern style. The wine is an almost equal blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, of which 20% is barrel fermented. There are lovely aromas of citrus and passion fruit and well integrated notes of oak. The palate is very smooth, underscored by an acidity that contributes to the wine’s length. There is excellent volume with a delicious touch of butter thanks to the use of oak barrels.[#intro]The dry white wine produced by the Sauternes Grand Cru estate of Château Rieussec...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Château Rieussec","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40150596386883,"sku":"A21RDERIEUSSEC","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/21NVBt.jpg?v=1689783602"},{"product_id":"chateau-coutet-premier-grand-cru-classe-bottle","title":"Château Coutet Premier Grand Cru Classé 2013","description":"\u003cp\u003eChâteau Coutet, a Classified First Growth, is a flagship sweet wine of the Barsac appellation. Straw colour, the nose has lovely aromatic notes of tropical fruit, such as lychee, mango, and pineapple, followed by aromas of quince, toasted almonds and acacia flowers. The palate is round and smooth with a good balance between freshness and fullness. This wine distinguishes itself by a good density and remarkable finesse. The finish is long, with its vivacity and its power. Overall, this vintage is marked by its elegance. [#intro]A classified First Growth \u0026amp; the flagship sweet wine of the Barsac appellation...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Château Coutet","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53546033512829,"sku":"A13COUTETBARSAC","price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/Wine.jpg?v=1574935732"},{"product_id":"chateau-climens-1er-cru-classe-barsac","title":"Château Climens 1er Cru Classé Barsac 2012","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Château Climens 1er Cru Classé Barsac 2012 is a vintage of which Bérénice Lurton is particularly proud, as it was the first vintage saved by biodynamic viticulture and also a bit of luck. Two warm days in a rainy October resulted in a very healthy harvest. However, a merciless selection had to be made at harvest time.  On the nose there is lovely beeswax, honeysuckle, jasmine and yellow flower aromas. The palate is very pure with fine weight, quite tangy, lightly spiced with a pretty marmalade-tinged finish. [#intro]\"Quod donare mora nequit annua, dat brevis hora\" - Latin Proverb...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Château Climens","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53560884199805,"sku":"A12CLIMENSBARSAC","price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/ClimensBarsacBt.jpg?v=1731861569"},{"product_id":"chateau-d-yquem-sauternes-half-bottle-375ml","title":"Château d'Yquem Sauternes 2013 | Half Bottle (375ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 2013 vintage of Château d'Yquem is celebrated for its finesse, freshness, and high acidity, resulting in a beautifully vibrant and elegant Sauternes. While the growing season presented challenges, d'Yquem’s relentless selection process yielded a wine of exceptional purity and drive, characterized by brilliant energy that cuts through its natural sweetness. This bottling displays the high quality expected from the only Premier Cru Supérieur in the 1855 Classification, offering intense clarity in its fruit and an almost crystalline expression of the Noble Rot. On the nose a bouquet of lime zest, green mango, and passion fruit, overlaid with the signature Noble Rot notes of saffron and crème brûlée. The palate is precise and impeccably balanced. The sweetness is immediately countered by a thrilling surge of fresh, powerful acidity, leading to flavours of candied ginger, citrus peel, and intense minerality. The finish is extremely long, focused, and refreshing, promising decades of development. The 2013 is already showing beautifully but has the capacity to age for 25–30+ years. If opening now, serve chilled alongside blue cheese like Roquefort, or simply enjoy it on its own as the grand finale to a meal. [#intro]The legendary 2013 vintage, bottled in a convenient half bottle, perfect for immediate luxury \u0026amp; cellaring...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Château d'Yquem","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57439743541629,"sku":"A13YQUEMHB","price":265.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/2013BT.jpg?v=1763802564"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/collections\/Sauternes_Chateau_and_Vineyards.jpg?v=1782737888","url":"https:\/\/hic.wine\/collections\/sauternes-and-barsac-wine.oembed","provider":"Hic!","version":"1.0","type":"link"}