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Best Gironde Dessert Wine Types
This late-harvest dessert wine of Bordeaux is predominantly made with Sémillon, the region's rare golden-skinned white grapes affected by noble rot, though the blends often include Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. The appellations may include Sauternes, Barsac, Cérons, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, Cadillac, Loupiac, Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, and Côtes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire.
In general, Sauternes wines exhibit pronounced notes of fruit, butterscotch, caramel, and spices, along with floral notes coming from the Muscadelle grapes. Noted for their full body and freshness, Sauternes wines pair nicely with soft cheeses, blue cheeses, washed rind cheeses, terrines, foie gras, and various fruit-based desserts.
THE BEST Sauternes Wine Appellations
Barsac is a white dessert wine that gets its name from a small village south of Bordeaux in the south-west of France. It is mainly produced from Semillon grapes, though Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, and Muscadelle may also be used in the blend.
Barsac wine-growers have a privilege to use the AOC label Sauternes for their wines, while they also have a separate Barsac appellation. Young Barsac wines are light-bodied with an intense golden color that develops into deep amber with aging. They are well-balanced, concentrated, and fresh, with notes of stone fruit, white flowers, almonds, and honey.
Sainte-Croix-du-Mont is a French appellation for sweet white wines located in Bordeaux. Muscadelle, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sémillon are the principal grape varieties used in their production. These wines are usually deep yellow with golden highlights.
They are full-bodied, rich, and complex, with a great balance of sweetness and acidity, while the typical flavors and aromas include candied fruit, raisins, white flowers, honey, and acacia. Although less prestigious than the neighboring Sauternes, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont wines share a similar character and can also age well.
This French appellation located in Entre deux mers region of Bordeaux produces sweet white wines that are primarily based on late harvest Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, while the official guidelines also permit the use of Muscadelle and Sauvignon Gris.
These complex and rich wines tend to have a dense texture, concentrated flavor, and an exceptionally long finish while remaining lively and fresh. Their aromatic profile typically includes notes of honey, ripe peaches, candied and tropical fruit, yellow flowers, and raisins.
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