Madame de Rayne from Sauternes is a delicious sweet wine made from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. The 2020 vintage was particularly successful and this shows through with its luminous golden colour and complex aromas of candied fruit, dried apricot, roasted pineapple and honey, enriched by touches of vanilla and saffron from extended ageing in oak barrels. On the palate, the liquor is sumptuous, combining power, elegance and freshness, supported by a remarkable acidity that balances the richness in sugar.

This wine pairs wonderfully with foie gras - its silky sweetness enhancing the dish’s luxurious texture. It also goes well with meat dishes cooked with fruit, as well as blue cheeses like Roquefort. For a truly local and authentic match, try it alongside an apricot tart or a pan-seared caramelized peach dessert.

The Sauternes vineyards, located on the left bank of the Garonne, enjoy a distinctive microclimate shaped by cool morning mists followed by bright autumn afternoons. This interplay encourages the development of Botrytis cinerea, or “noble rot,” which is essential for concentrating both sugars and aromas. The region’s sandy-clay gravel soils and gravelly terraces lend the wines their characteristic finesse and minerality. Rich in heritage, Sauternes has been renowned worldwide for its exceptional sweet wines for centuries.

You could decant this briefly to enhance the flavours even more. This can be enjoyed now showing vibrant fruitiness, but it also has excellent aging potential and will gain depth and nuance as it matures in the cellar.