Sauternes & Barsac with food.....

[Izak Litwar]

With so many great vintages produced in this district, how do you people pair all these different ones with food?

I'm especially thinking of 2003 (unbelievable amount of remaining sugar), 2001, 1997, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1986, 1983 and 1976.

[Jeff Leve]

HI Izak

Thanks for posting. For me, I prefer Sauternes with cheese or foie gras. I have a lot of friends that like sweet wines with different meals. But for my own palate, it's a bit too much.

[Mark Mason]

I prefer my Sauternes with grill seared fruit, especially pineapple.

[Jeff Leve]

Mark... That's a great tip! I usually prefer salty cheese or simple sweets with Sauternes and of course foie gras. What fruits do you grill? And do you like the pairing with young as well as older Sauternes?

[Izak Litwar]

There are many possibilities:

1. Oysters, creamy fish dishes, stewed and grilled. Absorbs very strong taste and flavors of vegetables (f.i. leek pure) and even estragon can't fight with sweetness.

2. Chicken and veal.

3. Medium strong Indian food as chili lifts sweet wine and sweet wine lifts chili.

4. Cheeses - goat and sheep.

5. Bitter chocolate seasoned with salt and fruit ice cream/sorbet (lemon, passion fruit and blackcurrant are the most suitable).

6. Fruit salads.

[Christer Byklum]

Foie Gras, fresh strawberries, but not too bad with salty hams like Parma or Iberico either.