Producer Profile
Château Suduiraut
Bordeaux, France
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Chateau Suduiraut
Bordeaux, France
Classified as Premier Cru Classe in 1855
Chateau Suduiraut, rooted in a legacy dating back to the late 16th century, stands as a symbol of Sauternes’ rich winemaking history. Established in 1580 upon the marriage of Nicole d’Allard and Léonard de Suduiraut, the estate’s journey saw its important moment in 1855 when it was classified as a Premier Cru during the official wine classification program in the Gironde winegrowing region. Acquired by AXA Millésimes in 1992, the estate has undergone a revitalisation, preserving its esteemed tradition while unlocking its full viticultural potential.
Location: Bordeaux, France
Working with us since: 2023
Viticultural standards: Practise sustainable agriculture, High Environmental Value 3 certified
Website: https://www.suduiraut.com/
Interesting fact:The Dutch influence during the 17th century played a significant role in the region. Dutch merchants established themselves in Barsac, crafting sweet white wines without noble rot grapes until the early 18th century when the practice of harvesting over-ripe grapes through successive selections was introduced.
Chateau Suduiraut’s Wines
Situated in the Preignac commune within the Sauternes appellation of Bordeaux, the vineyards of Château Suduiraut span 91 hectares of land with gravelly, sandy clay soils. Certified High Environmental Value (HEV 3), the estate’s terroir captures the sun’s warmth, aiding in the rapid maturation of grapes and bestowing upon the wine its exceptional opulence. The thin, water-retentive soil drives low yields, intensifying grape qualities while compelling the vines to draw nutrients from deep within, fostering a stronger expression of minerality in the wine.
Characterised by high vine density and an average vine age of 35 years, alongside environmentally conscious viticultural practices such as short pruning and tillage, Chateau Suduiraut emphasises the meticulous selection of the finest botrytised bunches during harvest. This dedication ensures that the Grand Vin is crafted solely from the vineyard’s most exemplary produce.
In the winery, the pursuit of concentration, elegance, and purity is paramount. The intricate pressing process extracts the richest juice, subsequently vinified and slowly matured in oak barrels for 18 to 24 months. With total control of fermentation, barrel by barrel, it safeguards the wines’ aromas derived from the noble rot (botrytis) grapes. The final blend undergoes a strict selection process, with no Grand Vin bottled in years when the harvest fails to meet the estate’s quality standards.
Chateau Suduiraut’s wine style is a reflection of its grape composition—90% Semillon and 10% Sauvignon Blanc. Semillon, a traditional regional variety, when affected by noble rot, imbues the wine with ample structure, mellowness, and aromatic richness, evoking notes of honey, dried fruits, acacia blossom, and candied citrus. Sauvignon Blanc, known for its citrus, white peach, and exotic fruit aromas, contributes acidity and complexity when vinified as a dessert wine, adding freshness to the blend.
The wines of Chateau Suduiraut embody a powerful yet elegant profile, a testament to the estate’s profound connection with its terroir. Each bottle captures centuries of winemaking skill, a testament to the estate’s enduring commitment to excellence.