Appellation Contrôlée Bordeaux Sauternes

Appellation Contrôlée (AC) Sauternes wine is a classification of sweet white wine produced in the Sauternes sub-region of Bordeaux in southwestern France.

The AC Sauternes classification only includes sweet wines, which are made from a blend of grape varieties including Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. The grapes used in AC Sauternes wines are grown in specific vineyard areas in the Sauternes sub-region, which are known for their unique soil and climatic conditions.

The grapes used to produce AC Sauternes wines are harvested very late in the season, which allows them to develop a natural concentration of sugar and flavors. The grapes are then carefully fermented and aged in oak barrels, which can help enhance their complexity and depth of flavour.

The resulting AC Sauternes wines are known for their rich, honeyed sweetness and complex flavor profile. They usually have a deep golden color and a rich, full texture with notes of honey, apricot and tropical fruit, as well as hints of vanilla and spice. They are characterized by their high residual sugar content, which gives them a luscious, syrupy quality and a long finish.

AC Sauternes wines are considered one of the best dessert wines in the world.