Cérons

Cérons is a sweet white wine appellation of the Bordeaux region in southwestern France. It is located on the left bank of the Garonne river, within the Graves district, and adjacent to the more famous Sauternes appellation. Cérons wines are produced primarily from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes, affected by Botrytis cinerea, also known as noble rot. This fungus dehydrates the grapes, concentrating their sugars and acids and imparting unique flavors.

The Cérons appellation was officially recognized in 1936. While sharing similar soil types and climate with Sauternes, Cérons wines generally possess a lighter body, less intense sweetness, and often a slightly fresher acidity than their prestigious neighbors. They are known for their aromas and flavors of honey, apricot, citrus, and occasionally floral notes.

Cérons wines are often enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with desserts, foie gras, and strong cheeses. They offer an alternative to Sauternes, providing a more approachable and often more affordable sweet wine from the Bordeaux region. Production volumes are significantly smaller than Sauternes, making Cérons wines less commonly found on the international market.