The Château Guiraud is the Sauternais' largest estate. Its soil is comprised of sandy and clay gravel that requires regular draining. The vineyard is carefully maintained throughout the year in compliance with tradition and respect for the environment. In order to harvest perfectly ripe and botyrised grapes, harvests at the Château Guiraud are rigorously carried out, leading to a meticulous selection process. Yields here are generally below the 25 hl/ha norm, sometimes even dropping as low as 12 hl/ha in order to produce wine of great quality. The Château Guiraud also sells a second wine, the Dauphin de Château Guiraud, (Sauternes appellation) as well as a dry white called the G de Château Guiraud (Bordeaux appellation). 2006 saw the arrival of four new owners (Robert Peugeot and three wine-makers, Olivier Bernard, Stephan Von Neipperg and Xavier Planty), marking the beginning of a new era for this Sauternes premier cru classé, which now places eco-friendly practices at the heart of its approach.

A Sauternes premier grand cru classé, Château Guiraud stands out from its peers by proposing a dry blend of equal parts Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. The vines that produce this wine are about 35 years old and lovingly tended to using organic methods. The château has been certified since 2011 but has been following these principals since 1996. What is more, the Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon vines draw all the nutrients they need from the sandy and clay-y gravel soils. The grapes are harvested by hand and placed in small, 6-kilogramme crates so as not to be damaged.
In the winery, 80% of the harvest undergoes alcoholic fermentation in wooden barrels that are destined to be used for the property’s Sauternes. The remaining 20% is fermented in stainless steel vats. And this lasts for three weeks. Malolactic fermentation takes place depending on the quality of the vintage. The wine is then aged on its lees in wooden barrels for seven months. This ageing is interrupted by lee stirring which moves them around the wine, giving it additions aromas and flavours as well as adding to its texture.
Tasting this dry Sauternes reveals a rich wine bursting with tropical and citrus fruit aromas. On the palate, its lovely richness is balanced by its wonderful acidity.