Sauternes has been one of the most innovative appellations in Bordeaux when it comes to trying out new packaging and marketing ideas. Sauternes is already sold in 10cl test-tube bottles. Grand Cru Classé Château d’Arche was the first to take the plunge, bottling its wines in a 100ml test-tube shaped bottle aimed at young drinkers in nightclubs.
This has been followed by Chateau Broustet who have launched Sweet Broustet as a new representation of the property’s sweet wine.
However a small 4 hectare (9.88 acres) chateau in Cazeneuve, Fargues has gone one step further. Owned by Vincent and Emilie Saint-Marc, Chateau de Mounic, is selling its Sauternes AOC sweet wines bag-in-box. The couple sell their wines through their delicatessen that specialises in regional organic and artisanal products, Aux Delices de Mounic.
The little shop has a growing clientele of gourmands, restaurants and wine merchants and the couple offer Chateau de Mounic Délices d’Automne and Chateau de Mounic L’Irrésistible (matured in barrel for 1001 nights) in bottle as well as being the first producers in Sauternes to offer 3 litre wine boxes of Chateau de Mounic.
Aux Delices de Mounic also has a range of local produce that feature locally produced Sauternes wines including Candied Figs in Sauternes, Raisins au Sauternes (raisins soaked in Sauternes and coated with chocolate) and Sauternes Jelly as well as a wide range of pâtés and confits that pair well with Sweet Bordeaux.
This is a great idea for showcasing the regions fayre and helps to promote the versatility of the wines when it comes to ideas for food pairing. I also think that the bag-in-box packaging makes Sauternes more approachable to a younger – and wider – market and will help to de-mystify the appellation’s wines.
If you are tempted to sample their wares Vincent and Emilie Saint-Marc can be contacted via their website or at Chateau Mounic, 13 Route de Touilla, 33210 Fargues, France Tel: 0556765230.