A protected natural ecosystem
The property covers more than 200 hectares that include a lake and unspoilt natural areas full of meadows and woods.
A protected natural ecosystem
The property covers more than 200 hectares that include a lake and unspoilt natural areas full of meadows and woods.
A paddock and a formal garden, planted with roses and other appropriate plants, have been recreated on 15 hectares to highlight the chateau’s architecture.This garden offers a spectacular view over the entire estate and adds to the beauty of the lovely hilly landscape. Lake, woods, trees, flowers and vines all intermingle within a natural cirque. This constant effort to develop the estate’s biodiversity is carried forward in the approach taken in the vineyards, the painstaking work carried out on the diversity of the terroirs, and of course, in the vision for the estate’s wines.
Diversified vineyards
The 60 or so hectares of vines currently in production are located in several terroirs with significant differences in soil types depending on the area.
Diversified vineyards
The 60 or so hectares of vines currently in production are located in several terroirs with significant differences in soil types depending on the area.
Château de Sours’ vigneron approach to viticulture is in keeping with the vision of the owner and his new management and is reflected in the day-to-day work carried out by the vineyard team. A detailed parcelling of the vineyards has been drawn up since Sébastien Jacquey’s arrival: the terroirs for the red wines are of considerable quality, with clay-limestone soil breaking through the surface, similar to those found near the Saint-Émilion plateau. Cooler terroirs have been earmarked for the production of white wines. This detailed understanding of the different climats is an essential part of the estate’s precision viticulture. It allows the team to carry out selections that will ensure the excellent quality of the final wines, as well as to set aside the finest plots from which to create several crus.
Toward Grape Variety Diversity
Of the 60 hectares planted, 70% are red grape varieties and almost exclusively Merlot. The white varietals planted are primarily Sauvignon Blanc.
Toward Grape Variety Diversity
Of the 60 hectares planted, 70% are red grape varieties and almost exclusively Merlot. The white varietals planted are primarily Sauvignon Blanc.
A restructuring has been carried out to optimise the quality of the plant material through the use of massal selection and resistant plants (with the assistance of nurseryman Lilian Berillon). In the future, it will allow a new balance to be struck between the red and white grapes planted based on a simple principle: to plant grape varieties that are best adapted to the terroir, i.e., have the right varietal growing in the right place. This work could lead to an increase in the proportion of Cabernet Franc and Malbec planted in the red wine terroirs or to the introduction of Sauvignon Gris in the Larcan lieu-dit dedicated to white wines. Grape varieties suitable for the production of quality sparkling wines will also be identified and planted. The vineyards will naturally continue to include the traditional Bordeaux grape varieties, but this diversification of grape varieties will make the most of each climat and helps to refine each wine style, lending the wines greater complexity and individuality.
An agroecological viticulture converting to organic growing
The vineyard is now embarked on its conversion to organic growing with certification expected in 2026, validating the practices already in use. Brought with it the introduction of agroecological principles which are now recognised throughout the wine world. This led to the planting of trees and hedgerows, the development of biodiversity for controlled disease prevention and optimised soil work. The best winegrowing practices are employed and, in some instances, call on proven expertise, i.e., Simonit & Sirch for the pruning and Marc Birebent for the double-grafting. The vineyards are located in an exceptional natural environment. The considerable amount of high-precision work carried out here also seeks to preserve this environment for generations to come.
An estate with considerable potential
An estate with considerable potential
I joined the company in July, the harvest was approaching and the technical facilities were new. I immediately took some decisions, such as separating the individual plots right away and coming up with a winemaking strategy that would make the most of our climats. Meanwhile, I took the time to better understand our terroirs and the work that had been carried out up to that point.
Sébastien Jacquey, General manager of Château de Sours
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