Viniou Reviews
Clos Dady 2007 Sauternes is a remarkable sweet white wine from the famed Sauternes AOC in Bordeaux, France. Crafted predominantly from Sémillon, complemented by Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, this wine benefits from the unique botrytised condition known as “noble rot”. The 2007 vintage was marked by favourable autumn mists, encouraging the development of Botrytis cinerea and concentrating the grapes’ natural sugars and flavours. Vinification is meticulous, often with hand selection of berries across multiple passes (“tries”), followed by gentle pressing and fermentation in barrels. This results in a lusciously golden wine, bursting with aromas of honey, apricot, candied orange peel and a woven thread of delicate spice and toasted nuts.
Sauternes is nestled in the southern part of the Bordeaux region, along the Garonne and Ciron rivers. The unique microclimate, with morning mists and sunny afternoons in autumn, is essential for the formation of noble rot. The gravelly soils provide excellent drainage and contribute to the nuanced minerality of the wines. Historically, Sauternes has produced some of the world’s most prized dessert wines, cherished for both their complexity and their impressive longevity. The tradition here stretches back several centuries, cementing Sauternes’ reputation as a benchmark of sweet wines.
This wine shines with classic pairings such as foie gras, where the sweetness and acidity cut through the richness beautifully. Seafood with a mild spice, such as prawns with ginger, can also complement its aromatic palate. For a regional touch, try it with Roquefort or another blue cheese from south-western France, as the salt and tang play off the opulence of the wine perfectly. At dessert, Clos Dady 2007 enhances fruit tarts, tarte tatin or simply ripe summer peaches.
For optimal enjoyment, serve between 8-10°C. This temperature allows the wine’s layered bouquet to fully express while preserving its refreshing acidity. Decant if possible, and use medium-sized glasses to appreciate its complexity and aromatic reach.
