Sweet Bordeaux Media Kit

THE GOLDEN WINES OF BORDEAUX 8 APPELLATIONS. A VARIETY OF TASTE PROFILES. Bordeaux Moelleux, Bordeaux Supérieur, Cadillac, Cérons, Loupiac, Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, Saint-Macaire

THE GOLDEN Sweet Bo The golden wines of Sweet Bordeaux wines are celebrated for their vibrant colors, pleasing aromatics, bright fruit and lively acidity. The rarity and low yields of these food-friendly wines make them all that more precious. Extreme dedication, patience and know-how are required to produce them—characteristics that the people behind these wines share.

UNIQUE Microclimate These golden wines are the result of a unique combination of special micro-climates, well-draining soils and superior quality fruit affected by noble rot. The eight producing appellations are located along the slopes of The Garonne River in southern Bordeaux. In fall, morning mist rises from the river and envelope the sloping vineyards. It is the balance of this mist, witht the humidity and afternoon sun that supports the development of a beneficial fungus—Botrytis Cinerea—which infects the grapes.

More commonly known as noble rot (pourriture noble), this fungus causes the grapes to shrivel, concentrating their fruit and sugar.

EXCEPTIONAL BLEND OF Grapes The composition of all Sweet Bordeaux wines is based on the specific characteristics each grape contributes. The thinskinned Sémillon, the primary grape in the blend, is highly susceptible to noble rot. This variety also provides rich fruit flavors to the wines. Sauvignon Blanc contributes the acidity for structure and brightness. Muscadelle, while a minor component in only some wines, adds distinct floral aromas.

PASSION AND Patience Producing the wines of Sweet Bordeaux takes patience and courage. Not all years bring the necessary climate conditions for noble rot, but in years that do, harvesting the grapes is labor intensive. The desired effects of noble rot take time and do not develop evenly in the vineyards.

Therefore, grape clusters must be carefully monitored and harvested individually, often requiring several passes (tries) through the vineyards for harvesters to hand-select.

N WINES OF ordeaux

TWO DISTINCT Styles The golden wines of Sweet Bordeaux are produced in two distinct styles—Moelleux and Liquoreux. These styles are determined based on the amount of natural residual sugars in the final wine.

Moelleux: 4 to 45 grams / liter

of residual sugar Liquoreux: 46+ grams / liter of residual sugar Moelleux means smooth and mellow and is used for wines that are slightly sweet. Liquoreux refers to those wines that ranged from sweet to opulent.

8 APPELL A Variety of T Bordeaux Moelleux AOP (Semi-sweet) Light and fresh with citrus and tropical fruit aromas.

These semi-sweet wines can be blends of grapes from 919 hectares of vineyards in 505 villages across Bordeaux. Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle are the most commonly used grapes. Yields are limited to 60 hectolitres/hectare produced from grapes that reach minimum must weights of 178 grams/liter.

Bordeaux Supérieur AOP (Semi-sweet) Bright and light with elegant citrus notes and tropical fruit flavors.

This designation includes just 30 hectares of vineyards within the Bordeaux AOP with higher potential for ripening and lower yields.

36 producers make a small amount of wine at this quality tier, which they can label Bordeaux Supérieur Blanc. Most are produced from grapes with must weights of 195 grams/liter.

Premières Côtes de Bordeaux AOP (Semi-sweet to Opulent) Intensely fruity wines with bright citrus and floral notes.

150 hectares of vineyards are located on the hillsides of the right bank of the Garonne River across 39 villages. Featuring limestone, clay and gravel soils, the best vineyards face south east. Maximum yields are low (45 hectoliters/hectare) and grapes have minimum must weights of 221 grams/liter.

Cérons AOP (Opulent)

Refined with aromas and flavors of concentrated yellow fruit and honey aromas.

23 hectares of vineyards are planted in silty gravel soils over limestone on the left bank of the GaronneRiver. Mists dissipate more quickly in this flatter area and Botrytis levels vary by vineyard. Grapes reach 221 gram/liters before hand harvesting at a maximum of 40 hectoliters/hectare. A typical Cérons blend is 80% Sémillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc.

Saint-Macaire AOP (Semi-sweet to Opulent) Refined with aromas and flavors of concentrated yellow fruit and honey aromas.

A mere 35 hectares of vineyards sit above a bend in the Garonne in chalky and sandy clay slopes over limestone. Just 14 producers make moelleux and liquoreux wines in this AOP. Grapes must be hand harvested in successive passes at a minimum must weight of 255 grams/liter, reflecting more concentrated and consistent levels of Botrytis. Sémillon is often 90% of the wines.

LATIONS Taste Profiles Cadillac AOP (Opulent)

Lively with delicate white floral and yellow fruit aromas and a long finish.

140 hectares of vineyards are spread across rolling hillsides in 22 villages. 70% are planted with Sémillon, which is blended with Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle, and Sauvignon Gris. Grape must weights have to reach 225 grams/liter before they are harvested in successive passes at maximum yields of 37 hectoliters/hectare.

Loupiac AOP (Opulent)

Generous with distinct notes of spice, minerality and honey.

The best sites of Loupiac’s 310 hectares of vineyards are on the slopes of the banks of the Garonne River where morning mists induce more consistent levels of Botrytis. Minimum must weight is slightly higher than in Cadillac at 229 grams/liter (245 grams/liter for Sémillon) and a maximum yield of 40 hectoliters/hectare is permitted. A typical blend is 80% Sémillon, 15% Sauvignon Blanc (and/or Sauvignon Gris) and 5% Muscadelle. These wines benefit from moderate-term aging.

AOP Bordeaux Moelleux

Sainte-Croix-du-Mont AOP

(Opulent) Luscious with developed honey, toast and dried fruit aromas.

330 hectares of vines are planted here on hills of chalky clay over limestone with fossilized oyster shells. Producers adhere to production rules that match Loupiac. (Must weights of 229 grams/liter and a maximum yield of 40 hectoliters/hectare.) Sémillon makes up 85% of blends with Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle, and Sauvignon Gris for added acidity.

These are age-worthy wines.

8 Protected

APPELLATIONS OF ORIGIN

Sweet and delicate

Sweet Bordeaux wines help to celebrate any occasion or pairing. The range of taste profiles of the wines produced in the eight appellations of Sweet Bordeaux mean that there are endless possibilities for enjoying them. Pour over ice for a refreshing, fruity aperitif. Make them the main ingredient for lively, elegant cocktails. Pair them with your favorite seasonal dishes. And, indulge in a glass with your favorite decadent dessert.

ENJOY AS AN Apéritif

Do as the French do. Pour a Sweet Bordeaux wine over ice and enjoy with some canapes or cheeses—try with some aged Gouda, French Comté and Roquefort.

BRIGHTEN YOUR Cocktails

Sweet Bordeaux wines can be the star ingredient for lively, elegant cocktails. They add natural sugar and fruit notes with a layer of complexity from the botrytis that no other wine can provide for cocktails. Looking for some cocktail ideas? Visit www.sweetbordeaux.com

TASTING Profile APPEARANCE: Straw – Gold – Amber over time NOSE: Complex balance of fruit, floral and distinct botrytis notes. Citrus and tropical fruits, orange blossom, honey, marmalade, vanilla and toast.

PALATE: Balance of bright acidity with residual sugar and concentrated fruit and floral notes resulting in an elegant finish.

When refridgerated, an open bottle will stay fresh for 2-3 weeks.

Serve chilled 46-50° F 8-10° C

INVIGORATE YOUR Favorite Foods The variety of taste profiles, which range in fruit flavors and concentration, acidity and residual sugar, mean that the pairing options for these wines are limitless. Their fruity flavors cool the heat of spicy foods and balance salty flavors, their alcohol content can help to accentuate intense flavors and their acidity can cut through fat in many foods such as meats and cheeses.

SUSHI. THe acidity of the wines cut through the fat in tempura while the sweetness can balance any spicy sauces.

SPICY INDIAN FOOD. Sweet Bordeaux wines cool the heat and help bring out the flavors of the food.

EMPANADAS. The sweetness of the spices in the beef filling balances well with the concentrated fruit flavors of the wines.

KUNG PAO CHICKEN. The lower alcohol of the Sweet Bordeaux wines helps to accentuate the spicy and intense aromas and flavors.

CURED MEATS. Sweetness of the wine balances the saltiness of the meats.

THANKSGIVING DINNER. Sweet Bordeaux is the perfect wine to cut through fattiness of turkey while they also compliment sweet potatoes and balance the tartness of the cranberry sauce.

For more information on the golden wines of Bordeaux visit: sweetbordeaux.com @sweetbordeaux_USA FB @sweetbordeauxUS

For media requests and samples, please contact

stephanie@gregoryvine.com

sweetbordeaux.com

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