The area of Sauternes is located on the left bank of the Garonne, 40 km upstream from the city of Bordeaux. This area consists of 5 villages: Sauternes, Preignac, Bommes, Fargues and Barsac. The first four are on the right bank of Ciron (tributary of Garonne) and Barsac is on the left bank of the Ciron. The Barsac appellation benefits from a specific microclimate due to the confluence of cold water from Ciron and warmer water from Garonne; this is how morning mists develop in autumn that are quickly dispelled by the sun. This climate change promotes the development of noble rot (Botrytis Cinerea). The terroir consists of several layers of pebble, chalk and gravel. These layers, deposited by the rivers over time, allow the wine to build up its finesse, strength and opulence.
After a selection in the vineyard, the shriveled grapes undergo a final check in the winemaking room. Fermentation takes place in 6 concrete vats. The best quality, from the oldest vines continues as Château Dudon. This wine is aged for 18 months in 225 liter French oak barriques. The slightly less concentrated second wine is called Gallien de Chateau Dudon and matures in concrete vats for about 8 months. The style of the 2 wines is different. The Gallien is finely strung, packed with elegant fruit impressions and is delicately sweet. The Château wine has more complexity, more filling and the used barrel ageing elegantly adds a level.
