A unique
terroir
Certified High Environmental Value (HEV 3), the estate comprises 91 hectares of vines, on gravelly, sandy clay soil. The stones capture the sun's heat, thereby helping the grapes to reach maturity more rapidly. It is this unique terroir that gives the wine its outstanding opulence.
This thin soil which retains very little water leads to low yields. It concentrates the grapes' qualities and forces the vine to draw its nourishment from deep in the earth. The wine's relationship with the terroir is even stronger because of this, and it expresses itself with strongly-marked minerality.
High vine density (7,000 vines per hectare) and the high average age of vines (35 years) are important factors in the quality of the wines, along with environmentally responsible winegrowing methods, short pruning and tillage. Meticulous selection of the best botrytised bunches during harvest means that our Grand Vin Château Suduiraut is made only from the very best that the vineyard has to offer.
The proportion of each grape variety used determines the wines' unique profile. Château Suduiraut's vineyard is planted as follows: 80% Semillon, 15% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Sauvignon Gris.
Semillon is a traditional variety of the region. When it is affected by noble rot it has an ample structure on the palate and gives the wine great mellowness and unctuosity. Wines produced with Semillon grapes are remarkably aromatic: they evoke honeyed fragrances, grilled dried fruits, acacia blossom and candied citrus.
Sauvignon Blanc has very characteristic aromas such as citrus, white peach, exotic fruits. For the Sauternes, it adds a touch of acidity to the blend, bringing freshness and aromatic complexity.
Sauvignon Gris adds more body to our wines, with a subtle aromatic profile offering floral notes and very ripe exotic fruit.