Is Sauternes the most versatile wine ever? Thanks to the long shelf life of this French dessert wine (2-3 weeks once open thanks to high sugar levels!), this is a bottle you can feel good about opening on a whim without any pressure to finish the bottle or coravin.
Sauternes is made in France with Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes that have been affected by Botrytis cinerea, aka noble rot. This means the grapes became partially raisined on the vine, becoming more concentrated and distinctly flavored, resulting in a sweet (but never cloying), aromatic and lovely wine best enjoyed after dinner, with dessert, or on its own.
We think it’s a specifically great wine to have around during the holiday season – from Thanksgiving to Christmas to NYE, you never know when you might want a glass of sweet wine or something off the beaten path to share with friends & family.
Beth was gifted a bottle at her first job in 2011 and saved it for years, never finding the right occasion. The occasion presented itself when she forgot to pack it away for safe, temperature-controlled storage with the other special bottles so it was enjoyed over a few nights of heavy duty packing.
Pictured are a few ways we enjoy Sauternes…with friends, while packing, while doing some trip planning to name a few!
- Château Roumieu Sauternes ($30)
- Château de Malle Sauternes 2001 Grand Cru Classé ($95)
Would you try a dessert wine?!
Witty Pairs 