Barsac

Defined by a terroir of limestone with low stone walls, Barsac is the idyllic sister region to the more famous Sauternes. It is located at the mouth of the Ciron – the same tributary that provides the moisture so crucial for the development of botrytis cinerea. The cold waters of this river gush towards the warmer Gironde and, in doing so, form an all-encompassing mist that settles on the vines. Botrytis then dehydrates the grape which concentrates the sugars. Thankfully, due to the sunny autumn days this mist quickly evaporates – preventing noble rot from degenerating into the highly destructive grey rot.
Notable chateaus include Nairac, Suau, Piada, Coutet, Myrat, Climens, Piada and Cauillou, among others.

Soils: Gravels and red sand with clay-limestone in parts.
Size: 830 hectares
Output: 1,800,000 bottles
Type of wine produced: Strong and fruity sweet white wines
Grapes: Sauvignon, Semillon and Muscadelle