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Sweet sweet
A classic expression of Sauternes elegance, born from grapes affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) and cultivated in Bordeaux’s most renowned sweet wine appellation. Its name – “Soleil” (Sun) – perfectly captures both the wine’s radiant sweetness and its natural vibrancy.
On the nose, it reveals rich aromas of apricot, orange peel, honey, and dried pineapple, intertwined with white flowers, saffron, and vanilla notes. The bouquet is opulent yet refined, maintaining a fine balance between fruit intensity and subtle spicy elegance.
On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, yet lifted by bright acidity that counterbalances its natural sweetness. Layers of caramelized fruit, honey, and citrus zest unfold gradually, leading to a long, silky, and slightly mineral finish.
The grapes are grown on the rolling hills of Sauternes, in clay-limestone soils, where morning mists from the Garonne River and sunny afternoons create the perfect conditions for the development of noble rot. This unique microclimate gives the wine its depth, intensity, and remarkable aromatic complexity.
Fermentation takes place in oak barrels, some of which are new, followed by about 12 months of aging, allowing the wine to gain additional richness, texture, and harmony.
Serving suggestion: serve at 10–12 °C with goose liver (foie gras), blue cheeses such as Roquefort or Bleu d'Auvergne, or with caramelized apples and vanilla cream.
Château d’Arche, an 1855 Grand Cru Classé estate, stands as one of the most prominent benchmarks in the Sauternes region, where historical heritage meets a futuristic vision of winemaking. Dating back to the 17th century and named after the noble d’Arche family, the estate is renowned today not only for its world-class noble sweet wines but also for its innovative approach to vineyard sustainability. It is an estate that interprets Sauternes tradition through the lens of freshness and modern hospitality, while maintaining an uncompromising focus on quality.
The 40-hectare vineyard is situated on the finest slopes of Sauternes, characterized by remarkable geological diversity: a mosaic of gravel, clay, and limestone. This soil composition ensures the complexity of the wines—gravel provides elegance and aromatic brightness, while clay contributes structure and body. The vineyard's strategic location near the Ciron River facilitates the morning mists essential for the development of Botrytis cinerea (noble rot). This unique terroir allows for ideal berry concentration while preserving the vibrant acidity that serves as the signature of the Château d’Arche style.
At the heart of the winemaking is Semillon (approx. 90%), complemented by Sauvignon Blanc (9%) and Muscadelle (1%). The harvest is conducted with extreme precision—entirely by hand, through several selective passes (tries) to ensure only the finest botrytized berries are collected. To emphasize fruit purity, slow fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled tanks, followed by aging in French oak barrels (30–50% new) for 12 to 18 months. This method yields wines defined by exotic fruit, honey, and spice aromas, possessing a velvety texture without ever losing their vital energy.
