Suduiraut launches Sauternes for younger drinkers

Château Suduiraut is aiming to breathe new life into the Sauternes category with the launch of a new sweet wine aimed at younger drinkers.

Les Lions de Suduiraut, which makes its debut this month, is described as a ‘classic Sauternes’ produced from hand-picked grapes affected by noble rot, but is also said to be ‘fresher, fruitier and more vibrant’ than its traditional counterparts.

The first wine available is from the 2009 vintage, a blend of 96% Semillon and 4% Sauvignon Blanc, bottled at 14.3% abv and with 134g/litre of residual sugar.

The bright gold label of Les Lions de Suduiraut is another break with the usually restrained Sauternes packaging, using a label which features the rampant lions of the château’s crest.

AXA Millésimes, owner of Château Suduiraut and other châteaux including Pichon-Baron and Petit-Village, describes the wine as ‘totally versatile – perfect as an aperitif, perhaps with some salted nuts, olives or smoked salmon canapés, while still having the depth and gravitas to partner puddings and blue cheese’.

AXA managing director Christian Seely said he was ‘very excited’ about the new launch, and about the future for Sauternes overall.

Les Lions de Suduiraut will be available internationally through key négociants from early this month, with a UK recommended retail price of £15.

Written by Richard Woodard