Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of sweet white wine: "Sauternes" refers to a specific, typically golden-colored, sweet dessert wine produced in the Sauternais region of Bordeaux, France. It is made from grapes affected by "noble rot" (Botrytis cinerea), which concentrates their sugars and flavors.
   • A similar style of wine: The term can also be used for wines made in a similar style and taste profile outside of the Bordeaux region, such as in California or Australia.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • For dessert, they served a glass of exquisite Sauternes with the fruit tart.
  • The wine list features several vintages of Château d'Yquem, a famous Sauternes.
  • This California winery produces a very good Sauternes-style wine.

Advanced Usage

• As an uncountable noun for the wine type: Often used without an article when referring to the wine in general.
  • He prefers Sauternes to other dessert wines.
• As a countable noun for bottles or types: Used with an article or in plural form when referring to specific bottles or varieties.
  • We tasted three different Sauternes from the 2015 vintage.

Variants and Related Words

• Sauterne (noun): An alternative, though less precise, spelling sometimes used, particularly for similar wines produced outside France. Note: In France, the final 's' is always used for the wine from the appellation.
• Botrytised wine (noun): A broader category for sweet wines made from grapes affected by noble rot, which includes Sauternes as a prime example.

Synonyms

• Dessert wine: A general term for sweet wines typically served with or as dessert.
• Sweet white wine: A descriptive term; however, "Sauternes" implies a specific production method and flavor profile (honey, apricot, citrus) not found in all sweet white wines.

Related Phrases and Idioms

(This word is a proper noun for a specific product and is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions or phrasal verbs.)

Noun

1. semisweet golden-colored table or dessert wine from around Bordeaux in France; similar wine from California