Château le Souley Sainte Croix
Updated on
Château Le Souley Sainte-Croix is an HVE-certified winegrowing estate in Haut-Médoc. Spanning 22 hectares, its grape varieties are dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon. It is managed by SAS Vignobles Riffaud.
Identity
Château Le Souley Sainte-Croix is owned by SAS Vignobles Riffaud, run by Frédéric and Marie-José Riffaud. The estate is located in the commune of Vertheuil en Médoc.
History and philosophy
Château Le Souley Sainte-Croix is dedicated to environmentally friendly practices, as demonstrated by its Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) certification.
The appellations
The estate's wines are produced under the Haut-Médoc appellation.
Frequently asked questions
- Who owns Château Le Souley Sainte-Croix?
- Château Le Souley Sainte-Croix is owned by SAS Vignobles Riffaud. The estate is managed by Frédéric Riffaud and Marie-José Riffaud, who oversee all viticultural operations and winemaking at the property, located in the commune of Vertheuil en Médoc.
- What is the vineyard's surface area and grape variety breakdown?
- The vineyard of Château Le Souley Sainte-Croix covers 22 hectares. The main grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Merlot (39%). Petit Verdot accounts for 1% of the total planting, following a new planting carried out in 2006. The vines have an average age of 26 years, with a planting density of 8,333 vines per hectare.
- What makes the terroir of Château Le Souley Sainte-Croix unique?
- The terroir of Château Le Souley Sainte-Croix is primarily composed of Garonne gravel (graves garonnaises). This soil type is renowned for its excellent drainage and its ability to retain and release heat, promoting optimal grape ripening. These characteristics contribute to crafting structured, complex wines typical of the Haut-Médoc appellation.
- Is Château Le Souley Sainte-Croix committed to environmentally friendly practices?
- Yes, Château Le Souley Sainte-Croix is actively committed to environmental stewardship. This dedication is recognised by its HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) certification, which rewards farming practices that foster biodiversity, reduce the use of plant protection products, and sustainably manage water resources across the entire estate.
The vineyard (terroir)
The vineyard spans an area of 22 hectares. The average vine age is 26 years, planted at a density of 8,333 vines per hectare. The grape varieties comprise 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot. A new 0.6-hectare parcel of Petit Verdot was planted in 2006, as part of a total of 1.6 hectares of new plantings that year.
Signature cuvées
Château Le Souley Sainte-Croix crafts red wines that capture the quintessential character of the Haut-Médoc appellation. The signature blend, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and complemented by Merlot and Petit Verdot, yields wines combining structure and fruitiness. They typically develop aromas of red and black fruits, often accompanied by spicy or toasty oak notes depending on the ageing process.
- Appellation
- Haut-Médoc
- Commune
- Vertheuil en Medoc
- Wine region
- Médoc
- Owner
- Frédéric RIFFAUD, Marie-José RIFFAUD
- Surface area
- 22 ha
- Certifications
- HVE
- Grape varieties
- Cabernet Sauvignon 60%, Merlot 39%, Petit Verdot 1%
Practical information
- Address
- 32 Des Martyrs Chateau Le Souley Ste Croix, 33180 VERTHEUIL EN MEDOC
- Phone
- 05 56 41 98 54
- Contact form
- Contact the estate