Château Suduiraut: Vineyards
The vineyards of Château Suduiraut cover 89 hectares, on an estate spread over 200 hectares, lying at the southern end of the commune of Preignac. It sits at the foot of the slope which runs up to Château d’Yquem, which is positioned to the southwest. Its neighbour on the opposite side, to the northeast, is Château Bastor-Lamontagne, providing a good illustration of how terroir and potential quality can shift in just a short distance, with elevation and drainage no doubt a major factor here.
The terroir is mainly sand and gravel, accounting for about 85% of the vineyard, gathered directly around the château. The remaining 15% is on clay, and these vines are located in a parcel distant from the château has a slightly higher position, on the hill of Château d’Yquem. The vines are 89% Semillon and 11% Sauvignon Blanc, a ratio which has barely shifted in the time I have known the estate and its wines. The average age of the vines is about 25 years, and they are planted at a density of 7,400 vines per hectare, a figure which has climbed a little in recent years.
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