at what temp. should a good sauternes be seved at?
Cellar temp? room temp? somewhere in between?
I have a few nice bottles and am looking to crack one open. I don't really drink it so this is kinda new for me.

At the recent tour of the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux, all of the Sauternes wines were served well chilled, out of ice buckets or iced tubs below the table. You may choose to serve them differently, but that's how the chateau owners served them.

PW

interesting. I would think that the cold would mask a lot of flavor. no?

come on people, is this the final word?

I prefer my sauternes to be served just at or slightly below cellar temperature.

I start at 50 degrees and go to 55, maybe a little over with an "exceptional" Sauterne. I try not to hit 60 if at all possible.

Specific enough?

Joe

I agree with stealtman completely....I store my Sauternes at about 58 degrees. If I am opening one I will throw it in the fridge to cool it a bit more about 30-45 minutes before opening. I would guess that would chill it to about 52 or so. I like them a bit cooler than cellar temperature, but certainly not "cold".

Sauternes rock,

slotguy

thanks guys. I appriciate it.

I like my Sauternes at cellar temp: 57 degrees. BUUUUTTT, since I'm drinking in a 72 degree room, I chill it down to 45, so that over a 10-15 minute period, it warms from 45 -> 60 degrees.

Well Chilled and accompanied by a nice slab of Foie Gras. I had this at Christmas when I visited some friends in Bordeaux.

If I don't have special Sauternes glasses, what type would work best? Sauvignon blanc glasses or small champagne flutes?

por vino

kpak

I think it is the glass you prefer.

Don't worry about it! I have Riedel's & Lenox glasses, but most of the time I reach for the standard old restaurant glasses. I do drink dessert wines from some cordial glasses, but any old glass will be okay with me.

My wife has a set of antique sherry glasses. I found they work quite well for sauternes, and I use them regularly now.