Farther south still from Graves is Sauternes and a sub-zone thereof, Barsac, from which emerge the most thrilling dessert wines on earth, including the celebrated Chateau d'Yquem, a favorite of both Thomas Jefferson and Russian Czars, as well as well-heeled 21st century collectors. Grapes used are Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle. They derive their lush, sweet, liqueur-like character from a mold, botrytis cinerea (pourriture noble, or "noble rot"), that attacks the grapes late in the growing season, concentrating   More

Farther south still from Graves is Sauternes and a sub-zone thereof, Barsac, from which emerge the most thrilling dessert wines on earth, including the celebrated Chateau d'Yquem, a favorite of both Thomas Jefferson and Russian Czars, as well as well-heeled 21st century collectors. Grapes used are Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle. They derive their lush, sweet, liqueur-like character from a mold, botrytis cinerea (pourriture noble, or "noble rot"), that attacks the grapes late in the growing season, concentrating the juice down to its very essence. Sauternes from great vintages can last, and improve, for many decades.   Less