Barsac
Barsac (French pronunciation: [baʁ.sak]) is a commune and an appellation in the Bordeaux region of south-western France. It is particularly known for its sweet white wines produced from grapes affected by noble rot. Barsac belongs to the Graves section of Bordeaux and shares many viticultural conditions with the neighbouring Sauternes appellation.[1]
Background
Barsac lies on the left bank of the Garonne river, about 40 km south-east of Bordeaux city. The appellation was officially established under French wine law in 1936, reflecting its historical reputation for high-quality dessert wines.[2] Producers within the commune may choose to label their wines either as Barsac AOC or under the more widely recognised Sauternes AOC.[3]
Characteristics
The vineyards of Barsac cover about 600 hectares and are planted primarily with Sémillon, which accounts for the majority of the area, complemented by smaller proportions of Sauvignon blanc and Muscadelle.[4] The soils are distinctive: red sand and limestone known locally as calcaire à astéries, which differentiates Barsac from the heavier clay and gravel soils of neighbouring communes. The nearby Ciron river creates morning mists during autumn, encouraging the development of botrytis cinerea.
Use in winemaking
The sweet wines of Barsac are produced through selective hand-harvesting of botrytised grapes, often requiring multiple passes through the vineyard. Compared with Sauternes, Barsac wines are often described as lighter and fresher, with higher acidity, though they share the same capacity for long ageing.[5] While Château Climens and Château Coutet are among the most prominent estates, the appellation encompasses both grand châteaux and smaller family-run vineyards.
See also
References
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Pitte, Bordeaux/Bourgogne: Les passions rivales, Fayard, 2005 (French).
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019.
- ↑ Conseil des Vins de Graves et Sauternes, vinsdegraves.com (French).
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.