At A Glance
- Field
- Detail
- Region
- Bordeaux, France
- Appellation
- Sauternes
- Classification
- Premier Grand Cru Classé, 1855 classification
- Main grapes
- Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc
- Signature wine
- Château Guiraud Sauternes
- Estate size
- 128 hectares
The Producer
Château Guiraud is a Bordeaux estate in Sauternes with Premier Grand Cru Classé status in the 1855 classification. Its wines centre on Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, with a classified sweet wine alongside G de Château Guiraud.
Château Guiraud became the first Premier Grand Cru Classé to receive organic certification. The 2011 vintage was its first certified organic release.
Place
The Sauternes appellation places Château Guiraud's classified wine within the 1855 hierarchy of Bordeaux. Sauternes is a sweet white wine style, and the estate's range keeps that appellation at its centre while also including G de Château Guiraud as a separate white wine.
Wines
Château Guiraud Sauternes is made from 65% Sémillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc. It is fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured for 18 months in new French oak barrels. Recent vintages show apricot, pineapple, flowers, spice, candied lemon and a hint of caramel. The palate brings sweet tropical fruit, candied orange rind and lemon curd in a racy, honeyed style.
G de Château Guiraud is made from equal parts Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. It is aged on lees for 6 months, with half in stainless steel vats and half in barrels previously used for the château's Premier Cru dessert wine. The range also includes G de Château Guiraud Organic 2022.
Final Word
Château Guiraud combines Premier Grand Cru Classé Sauternes with G de Château Guiraud, whose lees ageing includes barrels previously used for the estate's classified wine. Organic certification began with the 2011 vintage.