Esquisse de Nairac Sauternes 2016

Barsac is a region of Bordeaux renowned for its sweet and complex wines. Here you'll find Château Nairac, an estate with a long history dating back to the 18th century. Founded in 1777 by Élisée Nairac, a member of a family of Bordeaux shipowners, the château was designed by the architect André Mollié, who collaborated with Victor Louis on the Grand Théâtre in Bordeaux. 17 hectares, with soil composed of gravel, sand and clay on a limestone subsoil rich in starfish fossils. The Barsac area, part of the wider Sauternes region, is famous for its sweet wines obtained thanks to ‘botrytis cinerea’, the noble mould that concentrates sugars in the grapes. L'Esquisse de Nairac is the second wine of the estate, produced from Sémillon (90%), with small percentages of Sauvignon Blanc (6%) and Muscadelle (4%). After the grapes are harvested by hand, the juice is slowly extracted using pneumatic presses. This is followed by a light decantation and slow fermentation. Ageing takes place in stainless steel tanks, for a period of time that varies depending on the vintage, in order to preserve the freshness and aromatic integrity of the wine. L'Esquisse de Nairac has an intense and brilliant amber colour. On the nose, there are pleasant notes of candied fruit, bitter orange and light woody nuances. In the mouth it is round, with developed notes and a beautiful persistence at the finish. To be served at the end of a meal, with fruit-based desserts, foie gras or blue cheeses. With the right pairing it is able to enhance flavours, creating a perfect balance between sweetness and sapidity.