Chateau Nairac 2011

Tasting Notes and Serving Suggestions for Château Nairac 2011

Tasting

Color

A lovely golden yellow with silvery highlights, the color is bright and translucent, reflecting the concentration brought by noble rot.

Nose

The nose reveals remarkable aromatic complexity, with notes of dried honey, quince, and white peach. Fragrances of candied fruit intertwine with aromas of vanilla, yellow prunes, and saffron. A subtle floral dimension brings freshness with hints of acacia blossom.

Palate

The attack on the palate reveals a lovely viscosity, tempered by a fine acidity running through the entire flavor profile. The palate unfolds flavors of honey, peach, and almonds, complemented by notes of citrus and pineapple. The silky texture and the balance between sweetness and freshness create an impression of elegance. The finish lingers at length with aromas of candied fruit and honey.

Food and Wine Pairing

This sweet white wine pairs perfectly with foie gras, whether in terrine or pan-seared. It also elegantly accompanies seafood and shellfish such as oysters, lobster, or crab. Blue-veined cheeses such as Roquefort create a harmonious match with this Barsac. For desserts, opt for fruit tarts, crème brûlée, or preparations based on yellow and white fruits.

Serving and Cellaring

Château Nairac 2011 is ideally served between 8 and 12°C. Light decanting for around twenty minutes is recommended to allow the wine to fully release its aromas. This wine can be enjoyed until around 2027 and will likely continue to evolve favorably beyond that period.

A Barsac sweet wine combining richness and freshness

The estate

Founded in the mid-17th century, Château Nairac is a Second Growth from Barsac under the 1855 Official Classification of Bordeaux Wines, located in Gironde, within the Bordeaux vineyard area, as close as possible to the Garonne. The estate covers 17 hectares, 8 of which are in production, predominantly planted with sémillon, complemented by sauvignon and muscadelle. Since 2022, it has been operated by SCEA Terres Bordelaises, the Helfrich family. Its Ciron-Garonne microclimate, conducive to botrytis cinerea, and its conversion to organic farming are among its key hallmarks.

The vineyard

The Château Nairac vineyard benefits from an exceptional position in the north of the Barsac appellation, less than two kilometers from the Garonne. The vines are planted on siliceous Garonne gravels mixed with limestone, providing optimal drainage. The average vine age exceeds forty years, contributing to the concentration and complexity of the fruit. The river’s proximity creates a distinctive microclimate in which autumn mists promote the controlled development of noble rot, essential to crafting the great sweet wines of Barsac.

The vintage

The year 2011 proved particularly favorable for the sweet wines of the Sauternais. Following an exceptionally warm and early spring, summer brought cool, humid conditions in July and August, creating an ideal environment for the development of botrytis. September and October saw extreme heat with temperatures reaching thirty degrees Celsius, allowing for remarkable concentration in the grapes. Harvesting took place between late September and early October, with acidity especially well preserved thanks to the slightly cooler conditions in Barsac.

Winemaking and aging

The 2011 Château Nairac harvest was carried out by hand, with rigorous selection of bunches affected by noble rot. After pressing and settling, the must was barreled in French oak barrels, with 30% new barrels and 70% second-use barrels. Aging took place over thirty months, allowing the wine to develop its aromatic complexity while preserving its natural freshness.

Grape varieties

Sémillon (90 %)
Sauvignon blanc (6 %)
Muscadelle (4 %)