Château Nairac 2009

Tasting notes and serving suggestions for Château Nairac 2009

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a pale to medium gold hue with orange highlights, bright and luminous.

Nose

The nose reveals great aromatic complexity with notes of quince and mirabelle plums, accompanied by hints of toasted hazelnuts. Aromas of chamomile, praline, candied orange peel, burnt sugar, and lemongrass also emerge. Touches of orange blossom, apricot, and honey complete this delicate, refined bouquet.

Palate

On the palate, the wine is viscous and unctuous, with a round, silky texture. Density and sweetness are beautifully balanced by lively, fresh acidity that brings tension. Flavors of spiced bitter almond, honey, and zesty citrus come through. The long, honeyed finish reveals great complexity and a sophisticated style.

Food and wine pairings

This Château Nairac 2009 pairs perfectly with foie gras, whether in terrine or pan-seared. It also elegantly complements roasted poultry such as chicken, veal, or pork, especially when served with fruit-based sauces. Blue cheeses such as Roquefort make a classic match, as do hard cheeses with hazelnut notes. For dessert, opt for preparations featuring white or exotic fruits, as well as light pastries with almonds or honey.

Serving and cellaring

Château Nairac 2009 can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve until around 2054, or even beyond.

A Barsac second growth combining power and finesse

The estate

Established in the mid-17th century, Château Nairac is a Barsac Second Growth, according to the official 1855 Bordeaux wine classification, located in Gironde in the Bordeaux vineyards, as close as possible to the Garonne. The estate covers 17 hectares, 8 of which are in production, planted mainly with Sémillon, complemented by Sauvignon and Muscadelle. Since 2022, it has been operated by SCEA Terres Bordelaises, the Helfrich family. Its Ciron-Garonne microclimate, conducive to botrytis cinerea, and its conversion to organic farming are key hallmarks.

The vineyard

The Château Nairac vineyard lies at the northern end of the Barsac appellation, less than two kilometers from the banks of the Garonne. This privileged location benefits from an exceptional microclimate created by the confluence of the Ciron and the Garonne. Autumn morning mists encourage the development of botrytis cinerea, while afternoon sunshine allows sugars to concentrate. The soils are made up of Garonne gravels, siliceous elements, and a limestone subsoil providing minerality and optimal drainage. The vineyard is planted with around 90% Sémillon, complemented by 5% to 6% Sauvignon Blanc and 4% Muscadelle.

The vintage

The 2009 vintage was marked by exceptionally warm, dry weather conditions throughout the growing season. Summer was particularly hot and sunny, with minimal rainfall during the key ripening periods. These conditions enabled optimal development of botrytis and remarkable sugar concentration in the grapes. Cool nights preserved the acidity needed for the wine’s balance. This year produced opulent, fleshy wines with greater concentration than the 2006, 2008, or 2010 vintages.

Winemaking and aging

The 2009 Château Nairac harvest was carried out by hand in small crates, with successive passes to select grapes at optimal ripeness. After pressing and settling, the musts were transferred to barrels for fermentation. Sémillon fermented in new barrels, while Sauvignon was vinified in barrels that had held one wine. Winemaking and pressing were carried out parcel by parcel. After racking and blending, the wine was returned to barrels for aging for around 18 months.

Grape varieties

Sémillon (91%)
Sauvignon Blanc (9%)