Wines Sauternes Château Mauras - 2012

Château Mauras 2012 is a classic representation of Sauternes, the world-renowned appellation for luscious sweet wines from Bordeaux’s Sauternais. Produced predominantly from Sémillon, often with smaller proportions of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, this 2012 vintage results from grapes painstakingly selected after being affected by botrytis cinerea, or “noble rot.” This process concentrates sugars and flavours, creating an opulent wine layered with aromas of candied orange peel, apricot, honey, and a touch of saffron. The palate balances richness with a lively freshness, ensuring that the sweetness is never cloying but instead refined and long-lasting. Careful barrel ageing further adds toast and vanilla nuances, complementing the wine’s honeyed character.

The Sauternes region sits in southern Bordeaux, ideal for producing these famous dessert wines. The unique climate, with gentle autumn mists from the Ciron river meeting the warm waters of the Garonne, encourages the proliferation of noble rot on the ripe grapes. The terroir is composed mainly of gravel and clay-limestone soils, providing good drainage and subtle mineral complexity. Sauternes has a storied history, with its treasures gracing the tables of nobility since at least the 18th century, and its winemaking traditions preserved with fastidious care across generations.

For pairing, opt for contrast and complement. The classic match in France is foie gras, served as a starter to play the wine’s sweetness against the richness of the liver. It is equally superb with blue cheeses like Roquefort, where the saltiness mingles beautifully with the lush fruitiness. For desserts, fruit tarts or an apricot clafoutis are marvellous selections. If you’re adventurous, try it with spiced Asian cuisine, where ginger or mild curry flavours echo the wine’s exotic aromatics.

To enjoy Château Mauras 2012 at its fullest, serve chilled at around 10-12°C—cool enough to highlight freshness and aromatics without muting its complexity. Consider using smaller, tulip-shaped glasses to concentrate the delicate bouquet and sip slowly to appreciate its evolving layers.