Vino Novello

The wine of the current year, now used in the same sense as Beaujolais Nouveau, though Italy’s vino novellos are not as highly promoted as France’s Beaujolais Nouveau.

Which of the following Bordeaux wines is never sweet?

A. Sauternes

B. Barsac

C. Cadillac

D. Fronsac

Fronsac, from the appellation Fronsac located near Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, is a well-priced dry red wine made from merlot and cabernet franc grapes. But the three others—Sauternes, Barsac, and Cadillac—are all legendary sweet wines made in their eponymous respective appellations. All three appellations are located in the southeast corner of Bordeaux, along the Garonne River. And all three wines are made from grapes that have been attacked, shriveled and concentrated by the so-called “noble rot,” Botrytis cinerea. Those grapes are semillon and sauvignon blanc, sometimes with a little muscadelle added for the floral aromas it imparts to the blend.

“Men are like wine–some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age.”

—Pope John XXIII

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