Wines Bordeaux Ch Guiraud 2007 Sauternes - 2007

Viniou Reviews

Château Guiraud 2007 Sauternes is a classic expression of this renowned sweet wine from Bordeaux. Crafted predominantly from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, the 2007 vintage is particularly notable for its rich complexity and balance, thanks to the favourable conditions for the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) that characterise the best Sauternes vintages. The wine’s terroir is defined by gravelly-sandy soils over clay, allowing for excellent drainage and a unique microclimate near the Ciron and Garonne rivers, which is essential for the morning mists conducive to the onset of Botrytis. The vinification process is meticulous: the grapes are hand-harvested in multiple passes (tries), only picking those perfectly affected by noble rot, followed by gentle pressing and fermentation in oak barrels, imparting further complexity and structure.

The Sauternes region in Bordeaux, situated within the Graves district, is famous for its exceptional sweet wines. With a temperate oceanic climate, proximity to rivers, and morning fog giving way to sunny afternoons, the area’s conditions are ideal for the slow concentration of sugars and aromatic compounds. Sauternes has a storied history reaching back to the 17th century and remains a benchmark for sweet wines worldwide.

Château Guiraud 2007 shows deep gold hues with aromatic notes of apricot, candied citrus peel, honey, and a delicate spiciness from careful oak aging. For food pairing, this noble Sauternes is a sublime partner to foie gras, balancing the richness with its fresh acidity and lush sweetness. It also complements blue cheeses such as Roquefort, pâté, fruit-based desserts like tarte tatin, and can be enjoyably contrasted with spicy Asian cuisine. For a more regional touch, consider classic confit de canard or roast poultry with dried fruits.

For the best tasting experience, serve Château Guiraud 2007 well-chilled, ideally between 10-12°C. This temperature brings out the vibrant bouquet and preserves the balance of sweetness and acidity. Decanting is not usually necessary, but allowing the wine a few minutes in the glass will unfurl its aromatic complexity beautifully.