Wines Sauternes Château Romer du Hayot - 1997

Château Romer du Hayot 1997 is a captivating dessert wine from the famed Sauternes appellation in the Bordeaux region of France. Crafted primarily from Sémillon, with a touch of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, this wine displays the classic characteristics of Sauternes. The 1997 vintage benefited from a favourable growing season, encouraging the development of Botrytis cinerea, or noble rot, which concentrates flavours and sugars in the grapes. The terroir is defined by gravelly soils atop clay, perfectly suited to retain enough moisture and foster the unique microclimate essential for top-quality sweet wines. Château Romer du Hayot employs traditional vinification techniques, including careful hand-harvesting in successive passages and maturation in oak barrels, resulting in a wine that sings with richness and complexity.

The Sauternes region lies in the southern reaches of Bordeaux, where the confluence of the Garonne and Ciron rivers creates ideal conditions for noble rot through morning mists and sunny afternoons. The area has a storied history, with Sauternes wines coveted by royalty and connoisseurs since the 18th century. The soils—a mosaic of gravel, limestone, and clay—contribute to wines of depth and longevity, and the unique climatic conditions produce some of the world’s greatest dessert wines.

With its luscious palate offering notes of honey, dried apricot, candied citrus, and subtle hints of toasted almond, Château Romer du Hayot 1997 is a natural companion to classic pairings such as foie gras or blue cheese, like Roquefort. It will also shine alongside tarte tatin, crème brûlée, or even spicy Asian cuisine that benefits from a sweet counterpoint. If you seek regional harmony, consider serving it with a Gascon apple tart or a prune clafoutis, both beloved in south-western France.

For the optimal tasting experience, serve this Sauternes well-chilled, between 10-12°C. Allow it a few minutes in the glass to open up its aromatic complexity. This vintage can be enjoyed now, showcasing mature notes, or kept further for those who appreciate developed tertiary flavours.