Château Faurie de Souchard

Château Faurie de Souchard was created in 1851 as a separate estate carved from the historic Château Soutard property in Saint-Émilion. For much of its early history the wine was sold under the name Petit Faurie de Souchard, a designation that remained in use until 1969. The Jabiol family owned the estate from 1933 to 1983, followed by the Sciard family from 1983 to 2014. Dassault Wine Estates acquired the château in 2014, bringing it into a portfolio that reflects a serious commitment to the Saint-Émilion appellation.

• Created in 1851 from the Château Soutard estate
• Sold as Petit Faurie de Souchard until 1969
• Jabiol family ownership 1933 to 1983; Sciard family 1983 to 2014
• Dassault Wine Estates has owned the property since 2014

The 12-hectare vineyard sits on a north-facing slope within Saint-Émilion, a positional detail that has a meaningful impact on the wine's character. North-facing exposure reduces the intensity of summer heat and minimises the risk of drought stress, contributing to the freshness and balance that define the château's style. Soils on the slope itself are clay-limestone, while the foot of the slope transitions to clay-sand. Chalk, clay, limestone, and sandy soils are all present across the property, providing textural variety and good drainage.

• North-facing slope moderates temperatures and retains freshness
• Clay-limestone soils on slope; clay-sand at the base
• Chalk, limestone, and sandy soils contribute to textural complexity
• 12 hectares total vineyard area

The vineyard is planted predominantly with Merlot at 70%, complemented by 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a classic Saint-Émilion blend, with Merlot providing the estate's signature softness and fruit depth, while Cabernet Franc contributes structure, aromatic lift, and floral character. Cabernet Sauvignon plays a minor supporting role, adding backbone. Michel Rolland, one of Bordeaux's most recognised consulting oenologists, advises on winemaking at the estate, reinforcing a focus on precision and polish.

• 70% Merlot forms the backbone of the blend
• 25% Cabernet Franc adds structure and aromatic complexity
• 5% Cabernet Sauvignon provides additional framework
• Michel Rolland serves as consulting oenologist

Château Faurie de Souchard produces red wine that prioritises freshness and elegance over power and extraction. The north-facing vineyard position and the clay-limestone soils work together to produce wines with a delicate, balanced mouthfeel and tender tannins. The style sits comfortably within the more refined end of the Saint-Émilion spectrum, appealing to drinkers who value precision and drinkability over sheer concentration. The influence of Michel Rolland reinforces the estate's commitment to clean, polished winemaking.

• Fresh and elegant style, not extracted or heavy
• Tender tannins and a delicate, balanced mouthfeel
• North-facing exposure is the key driver of the estate's freshness
• Reflects the refined end of the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé spectrum