The Vineyard

A great wine is the product
of patience, humility
and attention to detail

Château Soussac has 3.75 hectares of vines. The vineyard which was planted in 2003 was born from the desire to create a small clos which would produce very high quality wines. Originality and up-to-date technology go hand in hand to produce wine with a difference.

The Land and the Vineyard

Following agronomic studies in 2002 (soil profiles, topographical outlines, assessment of the texture and structure of the ground, assessment of organic and mineral resources) the vineyard took shape. Old vines were pulled up and a careful turning of the land was carried out. This ‘shaping’ of the soil was not done to any depth, but only sufficient to give the land back its original outline. 

A limestone outcrop was brought to light again and natural drainage of the plot was resumed thanks to the re-establishment of the natural slopes.

The soil has a clay and limestone character, some particularly chalky areas being grouped together on the outcrop, making up perhaps 40% of the total surface area. Elsewhere, the limestone is still evident, but it is integrated with the clay in varying ratios.

The soil is an aggregate of components yet has neither areas of compression nor of suffocation (things which can be a risk in clay soils) because the clay / humus mix is operating well.

We have a fine wine-growing soil here. We have been part of the revival of a ‘terroir’.

The mineral content is balanced and the organic content is moderate, thus running no risk of providing too much energy to the vines.

No addition of fertiliser or change in organic content was made to the soil before planting. Respect for the environment was always the primary consideration. The soil was left to rest for 1 year before the vineyard was replanted.