Château Nairac

The property now known as Château Nairac dates to the mid-17th century, when it was established by André Duranceau under the name Bourdieu de Duranceau. The estate changed hands in 1777 when Bordeaux merchant Élisée Nairac purchased it, lending the château the name it carries today. The elegant château building itself was constructed in 1786 by architect André Mollié. Between 1837 and 1906, the property was combined with the neighboring Château Broustet, during which time it appeared under the name Broustet-Nairac. The two estates were subsequently separated, and Nairac continued independently as a classified growth.

• Founded mid-17th century by André Duranceau
• Named after Bordeaux merchant Élisée Nairac following his 1777 purchase
• Château building completed 1786, designed by architect André Mollié
• Combined with Château Broustet from 1837 to 1906

The modern chapter of Château Nairac began in 1971 when American Tom Heeter married Nicole Tari, daughter of the owner of Château Giscours, and the couple undertook a major restoration of the neglected estate. This revival brought renewed focus on quality winemaking and careful cellar work that earned Nairac a reputation as one of Barsac's most conscientious producers. Nicole Tari-Heeter formally took ownership in 1987, and her son Nicolas Tari-Heeter managed the property from 1993 until 2021, continuing the family's commitment to traditional methods. The family stewardship spanned over five decades before the estate transitioned to its current operating arrangement.

• Tom Heeter and Nicole Tari began restoration in 1971
• Nicole Tari-Heeter became sole owner in 1987
• Nicolas Tari-Heeter managed the estate from 1993 to 2021
• Family ownership and management lasted more than 50 years

Château Nairac sits in Barsac, the commune that shares the right to use both the Barsac and Sauternes appellations. The 17-hectare vineyard benefits from a well-exposed aspect and temperate maritime climate that supports the development of Botrytis cinerea, the noble rot essential to producing classic Sauternes liquoreux. Soils combine sand, clay, and gravel over a limestone-marl subsoil, a profile typical of Barsac. The encépagement is dominated by Sémillon at 90%, which provides the body, texture, and susceptibility to noble rot that defines the style, with Sauvignon Blanc at 6% adding freshness and Muscadelle at 4% contributing aromatic complexity.

• Barsac commune, entitled to use both Barsac and Sauternes appellations
• Sandy-clay-gravel topsoil over limestone-marl subsoil
• Maritime climate promotes Botrytis cinerea development
• 90% Sémillon dominates the blend for body, texture, and botrytis receptivity

Nairac produces Sauternes in the classic liquoreux style, meaning wines of genuine sweetness and concentration derived from botrytised grapes harvested by successive hand-picking passes through the vineyard. Fermentation and aging take place in French oak barrels, with 65% new oak imparting structure and complexity alongside the wine's natural richness. The wines are built for the cellar, with a documented aging potential of 12 to 25-plus years. Since April 2022, the estate has been operated by Terres Bordelaises, a subsidiary of Grands Chais de France, under a 25-year lease. The new operators are undertaking modernization of both the cellar and vineyard.

• Classic liquoreux style from botrytis-affected, hand-harvested grapes
• Aged in French oak with 65% new barrels
• Aging potential of 12 to 25-plus years
• Terres Bordelaises operating under 25-year lease since April 2022