# Château Chante L'Oiseau Sauternes (2020)

- **Producer:** Château Chante L'Oiseau
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** dessert
- **Grapes:** Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €50
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apricot, peach, orange, lemon, butter, vanilla, dried apricot, marmalade, honey

## About this wine

Château Chante l'Oiseau is part of Vignobles Barron, a family estate with a heritage spanning seven generations in the Sauternes appellation of Bordeaux. The Barron family stands out as one of the early pioneers of organic viticulture in the region, having converted their vineyards as far back as 1964. Located on gravelly and sandy-clay soils, the property benefits from the humid microclimate generated by the Ciron river, encouraging the natural development of noble rot on the grapes.

## Interesting facts

- The Barron family has been practicing certified organic viticulture in Bordeaux since 1964.
- Harvesting requires multiple manual passes over several weeks to pick berries individually at peak botrytis.
- Achieves noble rot while strictly adhering to organic standards despite high moisture requirements.

## Food pairing

Sauternes pairs exceptionally well with rich, salty, and savory delicacies like blue cheese and foie gras, as its natural sweetness and elevated acidity balance fat and saltiness. In sweet pairings, the wine should be as sweet as or sweeter than the dish, making fruit tarts with stone fruit and citrus ideal companions.

## Wine making process

The estate operates under certified organic viticulture. Grapes are left on the vine to concentrate sugars and flavors under the influence of Botrytis cinerea. Harvest is conducted entirely by hand in successive passes (tries) to ensure only botrytized berries are harvested. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats and oak barrels, stopping naturally when sugar and alcohol reach equilibrium. The wine undergoes aging in oak barrels and vats prior to bottling.