Description

The 1996 vintage of Sauternes Château de Fargues comes from an exceptional year in which all conditions aligned to produce a refined, classic sweet wine. The vegetative cycle began with a very early budburst, followed by a dry but cool spring leading to flowering in early June. A hot July and a stormy August brought the grapes to full ripeness by early September. After a small dry harvest intended for “Guilhem de Fargues,” fifteen days of rain encouraged the development of botrytis, preparing the way for a high-quality harvest.

Harvesting began on September 30 under ideal conditions: morning fog, sunny afternoons, and continuous passes until October 14. After light rain reactivated noble rot, picking resumed and continued until October 24, yielding perfectly concentrated fruit.

Aged for 3 years in barrels, this Sauternes reveals a golden, copper-tinted color and an elegant nose of acacia, broom, candied lemon, and roasted orange with a touch of spice. The palate is full and slightly creamy, lifted by fresh acidity and finishing with a subtle salty bitterness. A remarkable balance that makes this wine perfect at the table — from oysters to creamy white meat dishes.

Characteristics

Vintage

• 1996

Alcohol content

• 14% vol.

Allergens

• Contains sulfites

Climatic conditions

• Very early budburst
• Dry and cool spring
• Flowering in early June
• Hot, sunny July
• Hot and stormy August
• Botrytis development encouraged by 15 days of rain

Harvest

• Start of picking (first passes): September 30
• Ideal October conditions (fog + sunshine)
• Continuous passes until October 14
• Resumed after light rain
• End of harvest: October 24
• Regular development of noble rot
• Elegant and controlled concentration

Winemaking & aging

• Vinified and aged 3 years in barrels
• Production: 20,000 bottles

Wine profile

• Appearance: golden, orange-hued, coppery
• Nose: acacia, broom, candied lemon, roasted orange, spices (cinnamon)
• Palate: full-bodied, creamy, fresh and lively
• Finish: saline, slightly bitter
• Notes: stewed and candied fruits, quince paste, apricot skin, almond, cinnamon

Food pairings

• Oysters
• White meats in sauce or creamy dishes

Good to know

DeinDeal AG price per bottle: CHF 49,83

Price per bottle (RRP): CHF 75

Abuse of alcohol is dangerous for your health, please consume in moderation.