Château Guiraud Petit Guiraud Sauternes

Château Guiraud Petit Guiraud Sauternes

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • Château Guiraud received Organic Farming certification in early 2011 and has managed the vineyard using organic methods since 1996.
  • Making luxury accessible is the raison d’être of Petit Guiraud. Following vinification with the property’s Grand Cru, the second wine is a blend of wines from several batches, selected for their style. Aged in oak barrels or in stainless steel vats, the main characteristic of the second wine is its freshness and the fact that it can be enjoyed relatively young.
  • Average age of the vines is 40 years and situated on soils of sandy gravels and clay gravels.

Varietal Composition: 65% Sémillon, 35% Sauvignon Blanc

Elaboration: Manual picking only, by several sortings on botrytised berries. Fermentation: Partly in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats and partly in barrels. Ageing: In vats and barrels during about 12 months.

Tasting Notes: “The pale lemon colored 2016 Petit Guiraud sings of preserved lemons, pink grapefruit and marzipan with touches of allspice, chalk dust and acacia honey. The palate is quite mineral and savory in character with a lively line carrying off the long, chalky finish.” – Wine Advocate

PRESS

2016 – 90 Wine Advocate

PRODUCER BACKGROUND

Château Guiraud, which dates back to the 15th century, is one of the jewels of the Sauternes appellation. Certified organic, the estate has over 100 hectares of vines (65% Sémillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc). Stephan von Neipperg has been co-owner of the château since 2006. This is fully in keeping with his background, since his family continues to make sweet wine at their estate in Germany.

The Counts von Neipperg family line can be traced back to the 12th century. Representing some eight centuries of winegrowing and winemaking experience, today Count Stephan von Neipperg manages the 9 family-owned estates, 4 of which are in Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux: Château Canon La Gaffelière, La Mondotte, Clos de l’Oratoire, Château Peyreau.

Print Review Shelf Talker (2016 – 90 Wine Advocate)