Sainte-Croix-du-Mont

France · AOC (PDO) · South-West

Styles

Natural factors

The appellation is limited to the single commune of Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, on the right bank of the Garonne, 45 kilometres south-east of Bordeaux.
The bedrock of Astéries limestone, overlain by sandy-gravelly decalcification clays, forms the dominant substrate suited to the vine, with the so-called Agenais molasse on certain slopes.
The limestone cliff exposes a bed of fossil oysters of Ostrea aquitanica, into which some winegrowers have carved cellars for wine storage. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
In autumn, morning mists rising from the meanders of the Garonne alternate with warm, sunny periods, while wind dries the foliage, encouraging the development of Botrytis cinerea in the form of noble rot.

Human factors

Trade with the Netherlands encouraged, around 1750, the ageing of wine in barrels and then in bottles, thanks to the 'Dutch match' (sulphur wick).
Sémillon, a grape variety originating in the region, dominates the blend (around 85% in practice) as it is particularly well suited to on-vine concentration and botrytisation.

Product characteristics

The golden colour of these wines deepens gently towards amber with age, evolving towards aromas of candied fruit, citrus, and sometimes toasty notes when barrel-aged. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
These wines, of great sweetness, balanced and delicate, display an aromatic persistence of remarkable richness, with a palate that is fruity and lively in youth, becoming more unctuous with age.

Terroir / wine link

Clay-limestone soils encourage a slow concentration of botrytis on the grapes (10 to 12 days), while gravelly soils demand great vigilance in choosing the date of each successive picking pass.

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.