Château Suau (Barsac)
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Château Suau, Deuxième Grand Cru Classé of Barsac (Sauternes) in 1855, is an 8-hectare winegrowing estate located in Barsac, specialising in sweet white wines. The property, managed by VIGNOBLE HÉLÈNE BIARNÈS-BALLION, cultivates Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle on a clay and limestone terroir.
Identity
Château Suau is a winegrowing estate located in the commune of Barsac, in Gironde. It is recognised as a Deuxième Grand Cru Classé of Sauternes in the 1855 classification.
The producer is VIGNOBLE HÉLÈNE BIARNÈS-BALLION. Roger Biarnès acquired the vineyards in 1961. In 2013, the estate was managed by Corinne Biarnès. Winemaking is overseen by Nicole Biarnès.
History and Philosophy
Château Suau's origins date back to the late 17th century. The estate's name is associated with Élie de Suau, who was a court counsellor under Louis XIV. Throughout its history, the estate has seen several owners, including the Tarneau family, then the Suau family, before passing by marriage to the de Lur-Saluces family. Château Suau was sold in 1793. In the 19th century, it passed into the hands of the Pédesclaux family, then to Émile Garros. The Biarnès family became its owner around 1960 or 1961.
No organic or biodynamic winegrowing certification is documented for the estate.
The Appellations
Château Suau primarily produces wines under the Barsac appellation, an appellation which can also claim the Sauternes appellation. The estate is located in the Graves region.
Flagship Wines
The estate is primarily renowned for its sweet white wines, described as noble wines with good ageing potential. Documented wines include Château Suau 1998 blanc, a still wine.
Winemaking and Ageing
Château Suau's main wines are aged in used barrels. For cuvées such as Château Suau 1998 blanc, the ageing combines periods in vats and barrels.
Practical Information
Château Suau offers direct sales at the property and tastings. Visits are by appointment. For all postal contact, it is advised to address Château Archambeau.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the main appellation for Château Suau wines?
- Château Suau produces its wines primarily under the Barsac appellation, which is located in the Graves wine region. As a Deuxième Grand Cru Classé, it is also attached to the Sauternes appellation, a characteristic shared by Barsac growths. The estate focuses on producing sweet white wines.
- What is the history of Château Suau and its owners?
- Château Suau's history begins in the late 17th century, its name linked to Élie de Suau. After belonging to several families, including the Tarneau and de Lur-Saluces, the property was acquired by the Biarnès family around 1960 or 1961. The estate is currently managed by VIGNOBLE HÉLÈNE BIARNÈS-BALLION.
- What is the area and grape varieties of Château Suau's vineyard?
- Château Suau's vineyard covers an area of approximately 8 hectares. The grape varieties are predominantly Sémillon (80%), complemented by Sauvignon Blanc (10%) and Muscadelle (10%). The terroir is characterised by a thin layer of clay and stony soil resting on an asteriated limestone bedrock.
- What are the possibilities for visits and tastings at Château Suau?
- Château Suau offers the possibility to purchase wines directly at the property and to participate in tastings. Estate visits are organised by appointment. For all postal correspondence, it is recommended to address Château Archambeau.
The Vineyard (terroir)
The vineyard of Château Suau covers an area of approximately 8 hectares. Its terroir is characterised by a thin layer of clay and stony soil, resting on an asteriated limestone bedrock.
The grape varieties are dominated by Sémillon (80%), complemented by Sauvignon Blanc (10%) and Muscadelle (10%).
- Commune
- Barsac
- Wine region
- Graves & Sauternais
- Classification
- Deuxième Grand Cru Classé (Sauternes)
- Owner
- SCEA DU DOMAINE DE CHATEAU SUAU
- Technical direction
- Nicole Biarnès
- Surface area
- 8 ha
- Grape varieties
- Sémillon 80%, Sauvignon Blanc 10%, Muscadelle 10%
Estate news
03 February 2010
Classement 1855 Sauternes et Barsac
Cet article présente le classement officiel des vins de Sauternes et Barsac, établi en 1855 à la demande de l'Empereur Napoléon III pour l'Exposition Universelle de Paris. La classification a été confiée au Syndicat des Courtiers de Commerce de la bourse de Bordeaux et visait à reconnaître la qualité et la notoriété de chaque cru. Le classement initial comprenait 25 châteaux, mais en raison de successions et de partages de sols, il en compte aujourd'hui 26. Le classement inclut une catégorie "Premier Cru Supérieur" représentée par le Château d'Yquem. Les "Premiers Crus" sont les Châteaux La Tour Blanche, La Faurie-Peyraguey, Clos Haut-Peyraguey, de Rayne-Vigneau, Suduiraut, Coutet, Climens, Guiraud, Rieussec, Rabaud-Promis et Sigalas-Rabaud. Enfin, la catégorie des "Seconds Crus" regroupe les Châteaux de Myrat, Doisy Daêne, Doisy-Dubroca, Doisy-Vedrines, d'Arche, Filhot, Broustet, Noirac, Caillou, Suau, de Malle, Romer-Du-Hayot, Lamothe et Lamothe-Guignard. L'article a été rédigé par Adelin Pâques et publié le 3 février 2010.
Read the source — chais-et-vignes.comPractical information
- Address
- Barsac