By: AJ McClellan
My first expo into the world of Sauternes started with Chateau Guiraud, pouring it by the glass at the Mansion. I have always had an affinity for this wine and yesterday it was my pleasure to meet the Brand Ambassador to Chateau Guiraud, Augustin Lacaille. We tasted through the 2002, 2005, and 1998 vintages of this wine and they were superb.
Brand Ambassador for Chateau Guiraud, Augustin Lacaille
Guiraud’s vineyard lies just south of the prestigious Chateau d’Yquem and you can see the reflection of quality that this vineyard receives from such a great terrior. One thing that Guiraud does that I particularly enjoy is the more balanced sugar levels the wine displays. Some Sauternes have a problem with being cloyingly sweet, especially when they are younger making them impossible to drink. Like chateau d’Yquem, Guiraud keeps their wine in balance from day one allowing them to show the more subtle flavors at a younger age.
Also, Guiraud uses an unusually high amount of Sauvignon Blanc in their field blend, 35% vs the more standard 15%. This allows for more aromatics in their wines as well as a more unique mouth feel. The unique varietal blend combined with the balanced sugar levels and a great price point make Chateau Guiraud my go-to Sauterne for an everyday night cap and the perfect desert wine to stock your cellar.