Sauternes is a sweet white wine produced in the Sauternais region of Bordeaux, France, primarily from the grape varieties Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle. The wines are characterized by their richness and sweetness, which result from grapes affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), a beneficial fungus that dehydrates the berries and concentrates sugars, acids, and flavors.
Sauternes wines typically display complex aromas and flavors of honey, apricot, peach, marmalade, saffron, and candied citrus, supported by vibrant acidity that balances their high sugar levels. They are among the longest-lived sweet wines in the world, often capable of aging for decades while developing deeper notes of caramel, toasted nuts, and dried fruit.