winepairing with sauternes

Cooking for the wine of the week: Sauternes!

Every week, when I decide to open a wine that’s different from the usual or more special, I often like to cook a recipe specifically dedicated to that wine. This is my philosophy. I strongly believe that every bottle of wine deserves a recipe that elevates its flavors. The reverse is also true—every well-crafted recipe deserves a good wine to accompany it. Don't you agree? 😉

Today's post is one of those that will make your mouth water! That’s why I’m sharing all the details of this pairing so you can recreate it at home - winepairing with Sauternes.

Winepairing Sauternes and Apple Pie

Let’s start by talking about a unique wine that, in my opinion, is one of the most elegant in the world: Sauternes—paired with a quick and delicious apple tart (ready in just 20 minutes), topped with gorgonzola cheese and crunchy almond flakes. Yes, it truly is a flavor explosion! Are you already craving it? 😋

Let’s dive into the wine, the recipe, and the principles that made this pairing work so well (and leave you wanting more!).

The Wine: Sauternes Kressmann Grande Réserve 2022

SAUTERNES 2022 - KRESSMANN + APPLE AND GORGONZOLA CHEESE PIE

Sauternes is produced in Bordeaux, southwest of France, in the sub-region of the same name, famous for high-quality sweet wines. The hallmark of this style lies in the use of grapes like Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and sometimes Muscadelle, which undergo a phenomenon called noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). Have you heard of it? Under ideal conditions—such as cold, misty mornings—this fungus pierces the grape skins, dehydrating them and concentrating their sugars. The result is wines that are intensely aromatic, with flavors of honey, dried apricots, candied citrus, and floral notes.

In Bordeaux, five communes are authorized to produce Sauternes: Barsac, Sauternes, Bommes, Fargues, and Preignac.

The producer Kressmann is one of the region’s most renowned and historic houses, blending tradition and modernity to create elegant, accessible wines. The 2022 vintage, which I tasted, stands out for its liveliness—well-balanced acidity that cuts through the sweetness, delivering freshness and making you crave another sip.

After fermentation, Sauternes wine is aged in French oak barrels for a period of 18 to 36 months.

The Apple Tart Recipe with Gorgonzola

INGREDIENTS - APPLE PIE

Here’s what made this tart the perfect pairing for the Sauternes. You can find the full recipe below:

• Crispy base: Puff pastry that, when baked, creates a delightful textural contrast with the other components.

• Apples cooked in wine: The apples absorb the sweetness and acidity of the Sauternes, creating a harmonious bridge with the wine's characteristics.

• Gorgonzola cheese: Its salty and creamy intensity offsets the wine's sweetness, while its earthy notes enhance the complexity of the Sauternes.

• Almond flakes: Toasted to add crunch and a nutty aroma, they complement the wine's honey and dried fruit notes.

  
  

Why Does This Pairing Work So Well?

The pairing between Sauternes and this tart follows essential principles of pairing, such as balancing contrasting and complementary flavors and textures.

• Sweet-salty balance: The sweet wine offsets the salty intensity of the gorgonzola, creating harmony on the palate.

• Textural contrast: The creaminess of the cheese and the crunch of the almonds and puff pastry create a pleasing interplay with the wine's smoothness and viscosity.

• Flavor echoes: The wine's dried fruit and honey notes resonate with the cooked apples, while the herbaceous touch of gorgonzola cheese complements the Sauternes' complexity.

• Acidity: Despite its sweetness, the wine has enough acidity to "cleanse" the palate between bites of the tart's buttery pastry and rich cheese, keeping the experience light and balanced.

  
  

Want to Make It at Home?

Here’s the simple recipe to replicate at home for two people:

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, cut into cubes or thin slices

• 1 teaspoon of butter

• 1 glass of Sauternes wine

• 2 tablespoons of sugar (not heaping)

• A handful of toasted almonds (to toast, heat in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat)

• 2 sheets of puff pastry

• 1 egg yolk (for brushing)

  
  

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Line a baking tray with the puff pastry and pre-bake it lightly. I used individual round tart pans.

3. Add the butter to a preheated pan.

4. Cook the chopped apples, sprinkling the sugar on top.

5. Once the sugar melts, add the Sauternes and cook the apples until they soften but remain slightly firm (not mushy, as they’ll continue to cook in the oven).

6. While the apples cook, pre-bake the pastry for about 7 minutes, brushing the edges with the egg yolk.

7. Place the apples on the partially baked pastry, ensuring you don’t include too much liquid to avoid leakage during baking.

8. Bake for about 15 minutes.

9. Remove from the oven and top with small pieces of gorgonzola, letting them melt slightly from the tart's residual heat.

10. Finish with the toasted almonds on top.

This simple recipe is packed with layers of flavor that transform this dish and pairing into a rich combination of taste and texture.

A Flavorful Experience to Savor

The combination of Sauternes with savory or sweet tarts is a classic for a reason: pure indulgence in every bite and sip. It’s also an invitation to explore and experiment with iconic pairings. I’ll be sharing more on this topic soon!

Try it, test new combinations, and savor the preparation process as a celebration of good food, fine wine, and great company.

Curious to try this pairing? If you make the recipe or taste the wine, tag me on social media @liviad.guimaraes so I can see how I inspired you! 🍷😊

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