Liquid Gold: Sauternes with Bill Blatch

With its complex layers of exotic flavours, coupled with the certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ that comes from the grapes’ interaction with noble rot, Sauternes is deemed by many to be the finest wine, sweet or otherwise, in the world.

We are delighted to be joined on the evening by Society’s Bordeaux buyer Tim Sykes and Sauternes expert Bill Blatch. With over 40 years’ experience in Bordeaux, Bill has built up a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable individuals on the region and its wines, and is a firm advocate of the joys of Sauternes matched with savoury food. Witty and at times irreverent, Bill will be our guide as we explore the region through its wines.

The wines to be tasted on the evening will be:

Cyprès de Climens, Barsac 2016
Château Doisy-Védrines, Barsac 2014
Château Doisy-Daëne, Barsac 2012

Whilst most definitely sweet and unctuous, Sauternes doesn’t just partner puddings to perfection. The best balance an incredible richness with refreshingly racy acidity, making these wines much more accommodating across the board than might at first be presumed.

Taking the cue from classic partnerships such as Sauternes and foie gras or blue cheese, dishes that are creamy, salty, or even spicy make a heavenly match with the sweet wines of Bordeaux.

We would like to encourage you to try these wines with a selection of nibbles which would ideally include some or all of the following:

a packet of salt and vinegar crisps (the more flavoursome the better)
sausages; pâté
blue cheese
a lemon tart (or the equivalent of)

We do hope that you can join us for what promises to be a fun hour of experimentation!