Sauternes is a sweet white appellation in Graves / Sauternes, Bordeaux. The dominant grapes are Sémillon. The key soils are gravel, clay, limestone in places. The climate is characterized by maritime, morning mists, Cirons and Garonne influence. The Ciron/Garonne mist pattern promotes noble rot, concentrating sugars, acidity, and flavor. Typical fruit: apricot, marmalade, pineapple. Other typical notes: honey, saffron, botrytis spice, toast. Wines typically show high sweetness, medium-plus acidity, full body. Ageing potential is very high. Classic botrytized sweet white Bordeaux. Sémillon-led with Sauvignon Blanc.