Chateau Guiraud1998

WHITE WINE

Vinification

Fermentation: 90% in new barrels, 10% in barrels that have already aged one wine, for a period of three weeks to two months.
Maturation: in barrels, on fine lees, for 18 to 24 months depending on the year, with racking every three months.

Description

Château Guiraud wine is born of simplicity and proven methods. This wine is aged for approximately 18 months in oak barrels specially selected for their contribution to the wine’s elegant manner and the immensity of the its soul. The bouquet is precise, the texture is sensual, the smoothness has a somewhat mineral tone ; Château Guiraud expresses elegant purity and aromatic refinement.

Estate

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.

Food pairing

Chateau Guiraud can be served with seafood dishes, especially shellfish, lobster, crab and oysters on the half shell. Foie gras is a perfect pairing with its natural sweet, salty and savory characteristics. Chateau Guiraud can also be paired with roasted chicken, veal and pork dishes that are either spicy, or prepared with a touch of sweetness. Spicy Asian cuisine, raw fish, like sushi or sashimi, and cheese, both hard and soft also make great pairings with Chateau Guiraud.

Harvest

Uniquely by hand, with successive selective pickings (2-6 pickings) of botrytised grapes. A minimum potential alcohol level of 20° is required to begin harvesting.

History

Members of the Franconian aristocracy with a long political and agricultural tradition, 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.

Winery Technical Data

Area: 85 ha.
Soil: 80% sandy gravel and clayey gravel for the remainder.
Sub-soil: Deep translucent sand, pure gravel with some banks of red clay and limestone marl, bands of limestone with oyster shells or red and white clays.
Density: 6,600 vines/ha.
Rootstock: Riparia, 33 09, 101 14, 161 49.
Production: 100,000 bottles of Château Guiraud,30,000 bottles of Dauphin de Guiraud, Château Guiraud’s second wine, 50,000 bottles of G de Château Guiraud, dry white Bordeaux.
Owners: Robert Peugeot for FFP, Stephan von Neipperg, Olivier Bernard and Xavier Planty.