Chateau Guiraud 2016

The precision and balance of a Sauternes Premier Grand Cru Classé

The estate

"La Maison Noble du Bayle" is the historic name of Château Guiraud, from when it was owned by the Mons de Saint Poly family. In 1766 Bordeaux merchant Pierre Guiraud bought the estate. In the 80 years and three generations that followed, Guiraud has become a prestigious name and classified as a First Growth of Sauternes in the 1855 Classification.

Taken over in 2006 by four figures (an industrialist, Robert Peugeot, and three winegrowers, Olivier Bernard, Stephan Von Neipperg and Xavier Planty), Château Guiraud is an essential label.

The vineyard

This 2016 Château Guiraud is a Sauternes wine that stems from a 65.86-hectare vineyard. The soils is composed of sandy gravel (80%) and clay gravel (20%). The vines, which are 25 to 30 years old on average, are planted in a biodiverse setting and have been managed organically since 1996.

The wine

In 2011, Château Guiraud is the first of the 1st Grands Crus Classés in 1855 to receive the Organic Agriculture certification.

The vintage

The heavy rainfall and cool temperatures recorded at the end of April preceded a vegetative period that began under milder conditions. The flowering, which took place between 6 and 15 June, gave way to a summer season whose heat favoured a slow and progressive ripening of the grapes until the harvest.

Vinification and ageing

Harvested by hand in 5 successive selections, the grapes are rigorously sorted to keep only those that showcased a high quality. Fermentation in oak barrels (90% new and 10% second-fill barrels) for 3 to 6 weeks. The wine is aged in 18 to 24 month old barrels.

The blend

Sémillon (65%)
Sauvignon Blanc (35%).

Château Guiraud 2016: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

This vintage seduces by its precision, its aromatic vibrancy and its structure.