Maison Sichel Sauternes 2022
A beautifully rich yet fresh Bordeaux dessert wine, combining luscious ripe fruit with the honeyed complexity created by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea).
Made predominantly from Sémillon, supported by Sauvignon Blanc and a small proportion of Muscadelle, it offers layers of ripe apricot, pineapple, mango, candied citrus and honey, balanced by bright acidity that prevents the sweetness from becoming heavy.
Aged for around 10 months in barrel, this is a classic introduction to Sauternes and particularly strong value for customers looking for a premium sweet wine without moving into the considerably higher prices of classified-growth estates.
France
Bordeaux
Blend
375ml
13%
2022
SauternesMaison Sichel is a historic Bordeaux wine house whose association with the region dates back to 1883. The family has subsequently become closely involved with several Bordeaux estates and remains an important négociant and producer.
Sauternes lies south of Bordeaux, where particular climatic conditions encourage the development of Botrytis cinerea, or noble rot. The affected grapes gradually lose water, concentrating their sugars, acidity and flavour before harvesting.
For Sichel Sauternes, grapes are harvested by hand in successive passes through the vineyard, allowing pickers to select fruit as it reaches the required level of botrytis and concentration. The vines used average around 50 years old.
The 2022 is a blend of 80% Sémillon, 15% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Muscadelle, with around 10 months of barrel maturation adding further richness and complexity.
This is a full-bodied, sweet white wine with considerable richness but enough acidity to keep it fresh and balanced.
Expect apricot, mango, pineapple and candied citrus, followed by honey and a touch of barrel-derived spice.
The important thing with good Sauternes is that it shouldn't simply taste sugary. Here, the natural acidity of the grapes balances the concentrated sweetness, giving the wine a much fresher finish than its richness might suggest.
In simple terms: rich, honeyed and luxurious – classic Sauternes with excellent freshness.
- Nose: Rich and aromatic with ripe apricot, pineapple and mango, followed by honey, candied orange peel and a subtle touch of spice
- Palate: Lusciously sweet and smooth, with concentrated stone and tropical fruit balanced by refreshing acidity. Honey and citrus provide depth while the wine retains impressive freshness despite its richness.
- Finish: Long, silky and harmonious, with lingering apricot, honey, citrus peel and gentle spice.
- Foie Gras – one of the great traditional Sauternes pairings.
- Blue Cheese – sweetness provides a superb contrast to salty, powerful cheeses.
- Tarte Tatin – caramelised apple works beautifully with the honeyed fruit.
- Fruit Tarts – particularly apricot, peach and tropical-fruit desserts.
- Crème Brûlée – complements the wine's richness and subtle caramelised flavours.
- Spicy Asian Cuisine – sweetness can work extremely well against chilli and aromatic spice.
- Serve well chilled at around 8–10°C.
- There's no need for lengthy decanting. A small white or dessert-wine glass works well, although avoid serving it in an extremely tiny glass as this can restrict the aromatics.
- The combination of sugar and acidity also gives Sauternes excellent ageing potential. The 2022 can be enjoyed for its vibrant fruit now or cellared as it develops more honeyed, nutty and dried-fruit complexity.
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