The Chateau Soutard vineyard: Location and surface area
On the Saint-Emilion plateau, where Chateau La Dominique is also located, Chateau Soutard covers an area of almost 30 hectares, of which around 20 hectares are cultivated.
What is the history of Chateau Soutard?
A history dating back to the 16th century
The first traces of Chateau Soutard date back to 1513, when the Bourdieu de Mayne de Soutard was established on the site where the chateau currently sits. The term "Bourdieu" refers to an estate situated around a farm and a mill.
Following the acquisition of the estate in 1699 by Jean Couture, a Jurat of Saint-Emilion, the construction of the chateau began in 1741. Reflecting the pioneering and visionary spirit of Jean Couture's descendants, who devoted themselves exclusively to wine production, Chateau Soutard was soon recognized as one of the first chateaux to have its vines planted in rows.
A major growth in the 19th and 20th centuries
In the 19th century, Chateau Soutard underwent a major expansion under the impetus of Jean Lavau, a renowned owner in the Saint-Emilion appellation.
In 1919, the estate was passed on to Michel des Ligneris, whose descendants have been devoted to making Chateau Soutard one of the finest Saint-Emilion references for almost a century.
A new milestone from 2006
Chateau Soutard turned a new page in its history in 2006 following its acquisition by La MONDIALE, a company owned by AG2R LA MONDIALE, the leading social protection group in France.
As the owner of Chateau Larmande and Chateau Grand Faurie La Rose, La MONDIALE carried out major renovation work on both the winery and the chateau. The wine tourism activity was substantially developed. Voted "Best of Gold" by Wine Tourism, Chateau Soutard also received the National Wine Tourism Award in 2012.
All there is to know about Chateau Soutard’s terroir
Location and sun exposure
Located 800 meters away from the medieval town of Saint-Emilion, Chateau Soutard’s vineyard, which is 35 years old on average, is composed of Merlot (63%), Cabernet Franc (28%), Cabernet Sauvignon (7%) and Malbec (2%).
Geology: a unique tapestry of soils that produce fine wines
Comprising 30 hectares of vines in the heart of the Saint-Emilion limestone plateau, Chateau Soutard’s single-block vineyard enjoys a patchwork of soils that contribute to the signature style of the estate's wines. Less that 30 centimeters deep, 70% of this terroir is located on the clay-limestone plateau, 17% on clay slopes and 13% on a sandy soil at the foot of the hill. This predominance of limestone leads to wines with a precise and firm expression, all of which offer an exceptional aging potential.
Climate: vines under an ideal oceanic climate
The Saint-Emilion appellation benefits from an oceanic climate. Although the summer season is hot, the rainfall is moderate, sometimes significant.
Growing practices
Chateau Soutard manages its vineyard in a sustainable manner, paying particular attention to respecting the soil, the vines and also the auxiliary fauna. Chateau Soutard has been awarded the HVE (High Environmental Value) level 3 label since 2018, thus devoting itself to limiting chemical inputs and preserving biodiversity.
Throughout the vegetative cycle, numerous practices are carried out by the estate's teams in order to ensure the optimal and even development of the vineyard (pruning, early desuckering, leaf stripping and thinning the vines).
The vinification process
Each vintage by Chateau Soutard is the fruit of a vinification process that respects the integrity of the grape and its aromatic brilliance. The grapes are harvested in 10 kg crates, in order to preserve their integrity, and are left overnight in a cold room. This is followed by a rigorous sorting based on the grape's density in order to keep only the high quality grapes, before destemming. The grapes are transferred by gravity into thermo-regulated wooden vats and double-walled truncated stainless steel vats. A pre-fermentation maceration lasting around five days precedes the alcoholic fermentation along with pumping over. Malolactic fermentation is carried out in equal parts in vats and barrels. The wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels (60% new barrels each year) from eight different cooperages.
The signature style of Chateau Soutard’s wines
An essential reference among the finest Saint-Emilion names, Chateau Soutard produces wines that harmoniously combine elegance, richness and power.
Profile
An intense fruity nose precedes a full-bodied palate that showcases a precise, fresh and aromatic intensity.
Aging potential
Thanks to their structure and balance, the wines by Chateau Soutard can be kept in the cellar for several decades.
Food and wine pairing
Chateau Soutard wines are ideal with many dishes, such as foie gras, duck breast, fish (salmon, trout, sturgeon, lamprey, etc.), Brillat Savarin or even desserts (apple or pear crumble, poached fruit).
