Sablettes 2012 | Sauternes

Wine Identification
Sablettes 2012 is a sweet wine produced by Château Doisy-Védrines, located in the Sauternes appellation of Bordeaux, France.

Origin and Winemaking
The wine is crafted from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes. Its production is deeply influenced by the local climate, specifically the morning mists rising from the Ciron River. These conditions are essential for fostering Botrytis cinerea, commonly known as noble rot. The winemaking process adheres to strict traditional standards: harvesting is conducted manually through successive passes (tries). During each pass, pickers collect only those grape clusters that have been affected by noble rot, ensuring the necessary concentration and character for this style of wine.

Expected Profile
As a Sauternes, Sablettes 2012 represents the sweet wine category of Bordeaux. The reliance on Botrytis cinerea suggests a profile defined by the complexity and richness that results from noble rot infection. The Ciron River’s mist highlights the terroir’s role in developing these distinctive qualities, typical of high-quality Sauternes wines where concentration is achieved through the dehydration of the berries on the vine.

Overall Character
Sablettes 2012 stands as a classic example of Bordeaux’s sweet wine tradition. By focusing on hand-harvested, botrytized grapes influenced by the unique microclimate of the Ciron River, Château Doisy-Védrines produces a wine that embodies the rigorous standards of the Sauternes appellation. It offers a direct connection to the traditional methods and environmental factors that define this prestigious French dessert wine.