Sauternes facts for kids

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Sauternes is a small village, also known as a commune, located in the southwest of France. It is found in the Gironde department, which is part of the Aquitaine region. This area is especially famous for its unique sweet white wine, which shares the same name, Sauternes.

What is Sauternes?

Sauternes is more than just a village; it is also the name of a very special type of sweet white wine. This wine is made in a specific area around the village. The village itself is quite small, with only a few hundred people living there. It is a peaceful place surrounded by vineyards.

Where is Sauternes Located?

Sauternes is in the Gironde department. This department is in the Aquitaine region of France. It is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of the big city of Bordeaux. The area is known for its beautiful countryside and many vineyards.

The Famous Sauternes Wine

The wine from Sauternes is known all over the world. It is a sweet white wine, often enjoyed with desserts. What makes this wine so special is how the grapes are grown and harvested.

How is Sauternes Wine Made?

Sauternes wine is made from grapes that have been affected by something called "noble rot." This is a special type of fungus, Botrytis cinerea. It grows on the grapes under certain weather conditions. The fungus makes the grapes shrivel and lose water. This concentrates the sugars and flavors inside them.

The Role of Noble Rot

Noble rot sounds a bit strange, but it is very important for Sauternes wine. It happens when there is morning mist from the Ciron River. This mist is followed by sunny afternoons. The mist helps the fungus grow. The sun then dries the grapes, stopping the rot from spreading too much. This process gives the wine its unique honey and apricot flavors.

Grapes Used for Sauternes

The main grapes used to make Sauternes wine are Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle.

• Sémillon is the most important grape. It is very good at developing noble rot.
• Sauvignon Blanc adds freshness and acidity to the wine.
• Muscadelle gives the wine a floral aroma.

History of Sauternes

The history of winemaking in the Sauternes region goes back many centuries. People have been growing grapes here for a very long time. The unique conditions for noble rot were discovered and used to make this special sweet wine.

Early Winemaking

Winemaking in the Bordeaux region, including Sauternes, started with the Romans. They brought grapevines to the area. Over time, the methods of making wine improved. The sweet wines of Sauternes became popular much later.

The Rise of Sweet Wine

The specific technique of using noble rot became more common in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is believed that Dutch merchants helped develop this method. They were interested in wines that could last a long time. The concentrated sugars in Sauternes wine helped it preserve well.

Life in Sauternes Today

Today, Sauternes remains a quiet agricultural village. Its main focus is still on producing its famous wine. Visitors come to the area to see the vineyards and taste the wines.

Local Activities

Life in Sauternes revolves around the seasons of grape growing and winemaking. There are often local festivals related to the harvest. The village is a peaceful place to explore the French countryside.