Château Grillon is a botrytized Sauternes poured at Grappa in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. Made in Bordeaux, France from the 2019 vintage, it is a honeyed, golden sweet wine and one of the most classic dessert wines on our list. We pour it because few wines pair with dessert and rich cheese as gracefully as a true Sauternes.

About the Winery

Château Grillon is a property in the Sauternes appellation of Bordeaux, located on the limestone plateau of Barsac. The estate farms its vineyards traditionally, harvesting in several successive passes to collect only botrytis-affected grapes, and ages its wine in barrel. Grillon has a reputation as a well-made, characterful Sauternes that offers excellent value.

Region & Grape

The wine comes from Sauternes, the famed sweet-wine region of Bordeaux. It is a blend led by Sémillon with Sauvignon Blanc and a little Muscadelle. Its defining feature is noble rot, or Botrytis cinerea, encouraged by autumn morning mists from the Ciron river. The botrytis shrivels the grapes and concentrates their sugars, creating the wine’s signature richness.

Tasting Notes

Expect a golden color and aromas of honey, apricot, candied citrus and tropical fruit. The palate is sweet and full, yet kept lively by Sauternes’ characteristic acidity, with flavors of stone fruit, marmalade and a touch of creamy oak. The finish is long, luscious and balanced.

What to Pair It With

Sauternes is a classic with both dessert and salty, rich cheese. It is wonderful with our Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta and the Charcuterie Board, and it makes a lovely match with our Flourless Chocolate Cake. Browse the full dine-in menu for more.

How It’s Served at Grappa

Château Grillon Sauternes is offered as a 1.5 oz or 3 oz pour at $13 / $19.50.

FAQ

Where is Château Grillon Sauternes from?

It is made in Sauternes, the sweet-wine region of Bordeaux, France, on the limestone plateau of Barsac.

What does Château Grillon Sauternes taste like?

It is honeyed and golden, with apricot, candied citrus and tropical fruit, sweet and full but balanced by bright acidity and a long, luscious finish.

Why is Sauternes sweet?

Sauternes gets its sweetness from noble rot, a beneficial mold that shrivels the grapes and concentrates their sugars before harvest, producing a naturally rich dessert wine.

When you visit, book a table, explore the full wine list, and the dine-in menu.