Sauternes

Sauternes shares a unique characteristic with Barsac. In autumn, both appellations are shrouded in fog in the morning and warmed by the sun in the afternoon, leading to the development of noble rot, Botrytis cinerea, on the grapes. This fungus concentrates the aromas and sugars of the grapes, resulting in the production of the renowned sweet wine . Sauternes wines are a beautiful golden color and boast excellent aging potential, lasting for decades. They traditionally pair very well with foie gras, but also with white meats, delicate fish, and exotic fruits.

Château d'Yquem

Château d'Yquem is the only Premier Cru Supérieur in the 1855 classification from the Sauternes appellation. It is THE benchmark when it comes to sweet wines, a true living legend! While the most famous wine bears the Château's name, another wine is also produced there, a prestige cuvée limited to 10,000 bottles per vintage: Y, also known as Y d'Yquem . It is distinguished from its sibling by its even longer and more meticulous winemaking process.
Château d'Yquem belongs to the LVMH group, which has entrusted its presidency to Pierre Lurton . Under his direction, the Château cultivates approximately one hundred hectares of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes each year to produce wines that are elegant, aromatic, and structured. Yquem wine has excellent aging potential but can be enjoyed both young and old. In its early years, it is best served slightly cooler than after some time in the cellar. The nose is fruity and inviting, the palate silky and balanced. With its complex aromas—floral, fruity, and spicy—it pairs perfectly with a strong cheese, such as a blue cheese or a mature hard cheese. It also goes very well with poultry and, more unusually, with sushi.

Château Suduiraut

Château Suduiraut has existed since the 16th century. It is one of the estates classified as a Premier Cru Classé in 1855. Today, it belongs to AXA Millésimes, which has entrusted the management of its 92 hectares of vines to Christian Seely and his team. The vineyards are predominantly planted with Sémillon, but also Sauvignon Blanc and a small amount of Sauvignon Gris. Quality is guaranteed by the age of the vines, the practice of sustainable viticulture, low yields, and meticulous plot selection. This commitment to excellence continues in the cellar with aging for 18 to 24 months, followed by the blending of selected lots to create the Grand Vin. This wine is distinguished by its golden color, which develops amber hues with age, its excellent aging potential, and its aromas of flowers and raisins. It pairs beautifully with cured ham and cheeses.

The second wine is called Castelnau de Suduiraut and can be enjoyed younger. Also a Sauternes, it offers aromas of yellow fruit and sweet spices. Les Lions de Suduiraut is a lighter, fresher Sauternes than its predecessors, more mineral and easy to drink. Finally, S de Suduiraut stands out for its originality. This dry white wine, suitable for short aging, with fruity and floral aromas, pairs beautifully with lobster with ginger or a walnut cake.

Château Gravas

Château Gravas has existed since 1850 and is still run by the Bernard family. Its vineyard, initially very small at barely one hectare, expanded in 1930 to reach the 8 hectares it still covers today. This Château is a place of art—the art of winemaking, of course, but also music and painting—which are reflected in various cultural events such as concerts and exhibitions. A pioneer of wine tourism , Château Gravas has also long been open to visitors every day.

Château Gravas produces several wines. The first, bearing the Château's name, is a Sauternes made exclusively from Sémillon grapes, exuding aromas of flowers and candied fruit. It pairs beautifully with seared scallops or a lemon meringue tart. It has excellent aging potential but can also be enjoyed young. Traditionally presented in bottles, it is also available in elegant decanters, or even in shatterproof glass bottles with a foil seal under the name "L'Insolite de Gravas".
The Gravas Trilogy comprises three wines. Sensations de Gravas is a dry white Graves appellation wine made from Sémillon and Muscadelle grapes. L' Esprit de Gravas is a modern Sauternes, light and fruity. Finally, La Tentation de Gravas , a red Graves appellation wine, is made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. The labels for this Trilogy were created based on works by the painter Paul Flickinger.
The Château's latest wine is Absolu de Gravas , a dry white Graves made from Sémillon and Sauvignon grapes. Its citrus and vanilla aromas pair beautifully with grilled fish.