The spelling of the word "sauterne" is often confused with "Sauternes," the French wine region known for producing sweet white wines. However, "sauterne" refers to a similar but cheaper variety of white wine produced primarily in California. The word is spelled /sɔːˈtɜːrn/, with the stress on the second syllable and the final e being silent. The spelling confusion may arise due to the similarity of the pronunciation between the two words, but they are distinct entities.
Sauterne (also spelled Sauterne) is a noun referring to a type of sweet white wine that originates from the Bordeaux region in France. The term is specifically used to describe wines made with Sauternes, a small village lying in the Graves region of the larger Bordeaux wine region. The appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) for Sauterne requires specific grape varieties, namely Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle.
Sauterne is renowned for its unique and complex flavor profile, characterized by notes of apricot, honey, vanilla, and tropical fruits. What sets Sauterne apart from other sweet wines is the presence of Botrytis cinerea, a beneficial mold known as "noble rot." This mold infects the grapes, causing them to shrivel and concentrate in flavor, resulting in a highly desirable wine. Sauterne typically has a rich golden color and a luscious, viscous texture.
The production of Sauterne requires precise climatic conditions, including misty mornings and sunny afternoons, which are conducive to the development of noble rot. These conditions, combined with the careful harvesting of the grapes in multiple passes through the vineyard, contribute to the exceptional quality and rarity of Sauterne wines.
Due to its natural sweetness, Sauterne is often enjoyed as a dessert wine or paired with foie gras, blue cheese, or fruity desserts. It is a highly esteemed, sought-after wine that ages gracefully over time, developing even more complex flavors. Sauterne is considered a true delicacy and a symbol of luxury in the world of wine.
The word "sauterne" comes from the French language. It is derived from the name of a region in southwestern France called "Sauternes", which is renowned for producing a specific type of sweet white wine. The word "Sauternes" itself is believed to have originated from the Latin phrase "Saltus Vornensis", meaning "forest of Vorne", referring to the location's wooded areas. Over time, the name Sauternes became associated with the wine produced in the region, resulting in the term "sauterne" being used to describe similar sweet white wines produced elsewhere.