Suduiraut, Chateau
Summary
Premier Cru Classé Château Suduiraut operates 92 hectares of vineyards in Sauternes, producing sweet wines from predominantly Sémillon vines under AXA Millésimes ownership since 1992. The estate maintains its historic 1855 Classification status through traditional winemaking methods, with meticulous selection of botrytized grapes across multiple harvest passes.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Suduiraut stands as one of Sauternes' classified First Growths, earning its Premier Cru Classé status in the 1855 Classification of Bordeaux wines. The estate came under AXA Millésimes ownership in 1992, marking a significant period of investment and technical advancement. The property's distinctive architecture reflects its noble heritage, with the château building dating to the 17th century.
Vineyards & Wines
The estate encompasses 92 hectares of vineyards planted on gravelly, sandy soils underlain by limestone. Sémillon dominates the plantings at 90%, with Sauvignon Blanc comprising the remaining 10%. These proportions reflect the optimal varieties for producing botrytized sweet wines in the Sauternes appellation. The vineyard parcels surround the château building, benefiting from the unique microclimate that promotes the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea).
Philosophy & Practice
Suduiraut's winemaking centers on the meticulous selection of botrytized grapes through multiple harvest passes. Each picking targets only perfectly affected berries, sometimes requiring 4-6 passes through the vineyard. The wine ages in French oak barrels for 18-24 months, with new oak comprising approximately 50% of the barrel program. The estate produces a grand vin alongside a second wine, with total production varying significantly based on vintage conditions and the development of noble rot.