Karen, I assume you're talking about a domestic wine with that moniker? It's borrowed from Sauternes in France, of course, but I haven't seen or heard of it for ages. As I recall it was a somewhat sweet white, so perhaps a decent but not overly pricey California Riesling or Chenin Blanc might do the trick. Maybe Dry Creek Chenin Blanc, and then you can drink the rest!
That dish sounds good! Did she do it the Italian way with constant stirring as small portions of the wine evaporated? I love that, but it's a long job standing at the stove. Lots of simpler versions can be real comfort food, too.