Chateau Nairac Sauternes Bordeaux, Complete Guide

Learn everything about Chateau Nairac Sauternes, Deuxiemes Crus with wine tasting notes, wine, and food pairing tips, best vintages, a history of the property, information on the vineyards, and winemaking. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux: Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Chateau Nairac History, Overview

Chateau Nairac is an old Bordeaux estate that traces its roots and name all the way back to 1777 when it was purchased by Elysee Nairac, which as you can surmise, was where the estate took its name. Elysee Nairac is responsible for creating the chateau, vineyards, and grounds that are still in use today.

During the mid-1800’s Chateau Nairac was owned by Bernard Capdeville who also possessed another property in the region, Chateau Broustet. Capdeville combines both estates, and for a period of time, the wines were sold under the name of Broustet Nerac.

Following the death of Bernard Capdeville and the phylloxera epidemic, which destroyed the original vineyard, the vineyards were completely replanted for the production of red Bordeaux wine grapes.

Chateau Nairac passed through a series of owners over the centuries and eventually, like many estates in need of funds, fell into a serious need of repair. The vineyards had shrunk until almost no wine was being produced and the magnificent chateau had fallen into a completely dilapidated state.

This all changed in 1971 when Chateau Nairac was purchased by an American, Tom Heeter. Thanks to the efforts and serious investment from Tom Heeter, Chateau Nairac began producing sweet Bordeaux wine that was worthy of its classification. Today, Chateau Nairac is owned by Nicolas Heeter. Though the management of the property is handled by Grand Chais de France, which is also in charge of the neighboring estate, Chateau Bastor Lamontagne.

Chateau Nairac Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The 16.9-hectare vineyard of Chateau Nairac is planted with 90% Semillon, 6% Sauvignon Blanc and 4% Muscadelle. The vineyard is situated in the Barsac commune of the Sauternes appellation, not that far from Chateau Climens or Chateau Coutet.

9 hectares of vines, their largest parcel, which is also their best terroir is located close to the chateau. The vineyard of Chateau Nairac has a terroir of gravel, limestone, and clay soils. On average, the vines are 30 years of age.

To produce the wine of Chateau Nairac, vinification takes place in an average of 65% new, French oak barrels. The wine is aged in the same oak casks for up to 30 months before bottling. Not much wine is produced here.

The best vintages of Chateau Nairac are: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2005 and 2001.

On average, 2,500 cases of Chateau Nairac wine are produced every year. There is a second wine, Esquisse de Nairac.

When to Drink Chateau Nairac, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau Nairac can be enjoyed on the young side with no decanting. In fact, it is delicious and quite a treat young, even on release! However, like all great wines, Chateau Nairac is much better with age and does not reach full maturity until it’s between 12-25 years of age, or in some years, perhaps even longer in the best vintages!

But that is unrealistic for 99% of the world’s wine drinkers. So, enjoy it on any special occasion that calls for it.

Of course, the wine is sweet, but there is so much, incredible, racy acidity, the wine always feels fresh, and never cloying, which makes it quite fun to enjoy in the young side. With Chateau Nairac and frankly, all Sauternes, the temperature is more important than decanting.

Serving Chateau Nairac with Wine and Food Pairings

Chateau Nairac is best served at 14 degrees Celsius, 57 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift. The wine will naturally warm in the glass, while it develops more aromatic complexities and fleshes out.

Chateau Nairac can be served with seafood dishes, especially shellfish, lobster, crab, and oysters on the half shell. Foie gras is a perfect pairing with its natural sweet, salty and savory, rich characteristics. Chateau Nairac can also be paired with roasted chicken, veal, and pork dishes that are either spicy or prepared with a touch of sweetness.

Spicy Asian cuisine, raw fish, like sushi or sashimi, and cheese, both hard and soft also make great pairings with Chateau Nairac.