S'mores and Sauternes?

What is Sauternes and where does it come from? Sauternes is a decadent, sweet desert wine that comes from the Graves region of Bordeaux. Both red and whites are produced in this region. In the subregions are Sauternes and Barsac which create the decadent, unctuous desert wines. Sémillon has thin-skins which makes it the perfect candidate for noble rot, Sauvignon Blanc contributes the bright acidity with a bit of bright acidity . Muscadelle is allowed but rarely added, which would contribute a floral character.

The best vineyards in Graves are located on chalky, gravelly soils with influences from the Garonne River and the Ciron tributary. The two rivers provide a unique microclimate with cool morning fog and sunny, warm afternoons which allows the noble rot to flourish. The soils and climate influences make exceptional dessert wines that age well in oak for several decades.

Sauternes has flavors of honeyed apricot, butterscotch, caramel, coconut, mango, ginger, marmalade, and citrus themes, tropical fruit, honeysuckle, and toasted baking spices

As mentioned above Sauternes pairs beautifully with cheesecakes, lemon meringue pie, almond tart, vanilla pot de crème - basically not chocolate deserts. A Banyuls desert wine is the key to chocolate. Sauternes also pairs well with the classic foie gras and apricot conserve, duck or pork terrines, rich, pungent, salty cheeses such as Roquefort or Stilton, heavy cream sauces or spicy Asian dishes. Sweet wines go well with salty, spicy or sweet foods. The residual sugar (syrupy sweetness) tames any spicy heat.