Chateau Guiraud
Sauternes 1er Grand Cru Classe 2020
| Denomination | AOC Sauternes Grand Cru Classé |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.5% by volume |
| Area | Bordeaux (France) |
| Grape varieties | 35% Sauvignon |
| Aging | Maturation in barrels, on the lees, for 18 to 24 months depending on the vintage. |
- Prestigious Sauternes: Premier Grand Cru Classé 1855, vintage 2020, 0.75 l bottle
- Certified organic: organically farmed since 1996, certification obtained in 2011
- Grape blend: 65% Sémillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc, sweet white dessert wine
- Vinification: selective hand harvesting with Botrytis, fermentation in new barriques
- Profile and pairings: notes of lemon, stewed apples, honey and spices; ideal with foie gras and blue cheeses
Description
What kind of wine it is
Château Guiraud is a refined sweet white wine made from a blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Historically recognised as a Premier Grand Cru Classé, this wine faithfully expresses the essence of noble rot in the Sauternes region. The production follows strict organic principles, offering an elegant, fresh profile with a silky texture. On the palate, it is intense and persistent, supported by excellent gustatory tension and a spicy finish, enriched by its maturation period in barrels.
Where it comes from
It originates in France, in the heart of Bordeaux, within the renowned Sauternes area. The historic estate deliberately maintains low yields to concentrate the quality of the grapes and preserve the integrity of the fruit. The vines sink their roots into sandy soils composed of clayey gravel, natural elements that give the wine great finesse and a pleasant freshness. Its inclusion in the Premier Grand Cru Classé classification certifies the undisputed historical and qualitative value of these vineyards.
How it is produced
The manual harvest requires several passes through the rows to collect only the berries enriched by noble rot. Fermentation takes place in new oak barrels and is followed by a slow maturation in barrels in contact with the fine lees. On the nose, it reveals complex scents of lemon, apple tart, vanilla and tropical fruit. The tasting combines notes of quince and fresh apricot with a deep honeyed aftertaste and a spicy finish, ideal for accompanying blue cheeses, foie gras or fruit desserts.
History and Curiosities
Founded in 1766, Château Guiraud has held the Premier Grand Cru Classé classification since 1855. The estate has been operating organically since 1996, making 2020 its tenth certified vintage. Excellence is achieved through manual harvesting: with numerous passes through the rows, Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes enriched by noble rot are selected. Under the guidance of Xavier Planty, maturation in oak barriques enhances its elegance and finesse.
Awards
-
2020
94/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
-
2020
90/100
The prestigious international wine guide from the renowned Robert Parker, the world's most experienced and trusted wine taster.
-
2020
93/100
Wine spectator is the most influential wine guide on the internet.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
10 - 12 °C
Longevity:
10 - 15 years
- Start up year: 1766
- Oenologist: Xavier Planty
- Hectares: 128
elegance...
The implementation of such growing methods and an alternative approach to the vineyard have resulted in a new awareness and a different wine aesthetic. The search for maximum sugar is over and the vocabulary has changed, it is no longer a question of power but of purity of flavour, finesse and producing finely-constructed, balanced wines. Read more
| Name | Chateau Guiraud Sauternes 1er Grand Cru Classe 2020 |
|---|---|
| Type | White organic dessert wine from grapes with noble rot dessert wine |
| Denomination | Sauternes AOC |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.5% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 35% Sauvignon |
| Country | France |
| Region | Bordeaux |
| Vendor | Chateau Guiraud |
| Story | History and Curiosities Founded in 1766, Château Guiraud has held the Premier Grand Cru Classé classification since 1855. The estate has been operating organically since 1996, making 2020 its tenth certified vintage. Excellence is achieved through manual harvesting: with numerous passes through the rows, Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes enriched by noble rot are selected. Under the guidance of Xavier Planty, maturation in oak barriques enhances its elegance and finesse. |
| Origin | Barsac (France) |
| Soil composition | 80% sand and 20% clayey gravel |
| Plants per hectare | 6,600 vines per hectare |
| Yield per hectare | 12 hl/ha |
| Fermentation | From three weeks to two months |
| Production technique | Exclusively manual harvest with multiple passes in the vineyard selecting berries affected by Botrytis (noble rot); fermentation in new oak barriques; ageing in barrels on the lees |
| Wine making | Exclusively manual harvesting with several passes in the vineyard, selecting only the berries affected by Botrytis; fermentation in new oak barriques for 3 weeks up to 2 months; ageing in barrel on the lees for 18–24 months depending on the vintage. |
| Aging | Maturation in barrels, on the lees, for 18 to 24 months depending on the vintage. |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |