Wine, Dessert Wine | Vegetarian Diet (check fining agents)

Sauterne

Vitis vinifera Allergens: Sulfites
Sauterne

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Vitaceae
  • Primary Cuisine French, European
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Grapes (Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle)

The Forktionary Angle

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Definition

A sweet, golden dessert wine from Bordeaux, France, made from grapes affected by noble rot, yielding complex honeyed and fruity notes.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, Honeyed, Apricot, Peach, Citrus Zest, Nutty
TextureViscous, Syrupy, Smooth
AromaHoney, Apricot, Dried Fruit, Floral, Spice, Botrytis
AcidityMed-High

Technical Metrics

Nutrition Facts

Per 60ml (2 fl oz)
Calories130 kcal
Total Fat0 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0 g
Total Carbohydrate15 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars15 g
Calcium10 mg
Iron0.1 mg
Potassium50 mg

Chef’s Secret

Sauterne is excellent for deglazing pans after searing foie gras or duck breast, creating a rich, sweet-savory sauce. It also adds depth to fruit-based desserts.

Substitutions

Best Match

Other Botrytized Sweet Wines

1:1

Best for similar complexity and sweetness (e.g., Tokaji).

Late Harvest Riesling

1:1

Sweet, fruity, high acidity for balancing sweetness in cooking.

Honey Wine (Mead)

1:1

For a similar honeyed character in reductions or sauces.

White Grape Juice + Honey

1:1

Non-alcoholic substitute for sweetness and fruity notes in desserts.

Buying Guide

Invest in a reputable producer from Bordeaux's Sauternes region. Proper cellaring enhances complexity over time.

Flavor Pairings

Pairs exquisitely with foie gras blue cheeses fruit tarts crème brûlée or as an aperitif.