The Secrets to Sweet Bordeaux

Late harvest Sweet Bordeaux wines are celebrated for their golden color, pleasing aromatics, bright fruit and lively acidity. The rarity and low yields of these food-friendly wines make them all that more precious. Extreme dedication, patience and know-how are required to produce them– characteristics that the people behind these wines share.

Unique Microclimate

These golden wines are the result of a unique combination of special micro-climates, well-draining soils and superior quality fruit affected by noble rot. The eight producing appellations are located along the slopes of The Garonne River in southern Bordeaux. In fall, morning mists rise from the river and envelope the sloping vineyards. The balance of mist, humidity and afternoon sun work together to support the development of a beneficial fungus—Botrytis cinerea—that infects the grapes. More commonly known as noble rot (pourriture noble), this fungus causes the grapes to shrivel, concentrating their fruit and sugar. T his is what allows production of wines with deep concentration, bright acidity and complex Botrytis notes.

Exceptional Blend of Grapes

The composition of all Sweet Bordeaux wines is based on the specific characteristics each grape contributes. The thin-skinned Sémillon, the primary grape in the blend, is highly susceptible to noble rot. This variety also provides rich fruit flavors to the wines. Sauvignon Blanc contributes the acidity for structure and brightness. Muscadelle, while a minor component in only some wines, adds distinct floral aromas.

Passion and Patience

Producing the wines of Sweet Bordeaux takes patience and courage. Not all years bring the necessary climate conditions for noble rot, but in years that do, harvesting the grapes is labor intensive. The desired effects of noble rot take time and do not develop evenly in the vineyards. Therefore, grape clusters must be carefully monitored and harvested individually, often requiring several passes (tries) through the vineyards for harvesters to hand-select.

Bordeaux Moelleux, Bordeaux Supérieur, Cadillac, Cérons, Loupiac, Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, Saint-Macaire