Château Petit Faurie de Soutard

Château Petit Faurie de Soutard was established in 1850 when a parcel was carved out of the historic Château Soutard estate. Operating initially under the name Château Faurie de Soutard, the property adopted its current name in 1969. The Capdemourlin family took ownership in 1978 and managed the estate for nearly four decades, building its reputation within the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé tier. In 2017, French mutual insurance group AG2R LA MONDIALE acquired the château, continuing an industry trend of institutional investment in classified Bordeaux estates.

• Separated from Château Soutard in 1850
• Renamed from Château Faurie de Soutard to current name in 1969
• Capdemourlin family ownership from 1978 to 2017
• AG2R LA MONDIALE acquisition in 2017 brought institutional backing

The estate's 8 hectares sit on a combination of clay-limestone hillsides and sandier soils, a profile typical of the broader Saint-Émilion plateau and its flanks. The northern-facing aspect is the defining terroir characteristic here. Where south-facing sites benefit from maximum sun exposure, the northern orientation at Petit Faurie de Soutard produces a slightly cooler microclimate that extends the growing season and promotes slower, more even ripening. This cooler environment tends to preserve natural acidity and bring finesse to the finished wine.

• Clay-limestone hillside soils support structured, age-worthy reds
• Sandy soils contribute to aromatic complexity and softer texture
• Northern aspect moderates temperatures relative to south-facing Saint-Émilion sites
• Slower ripening under cooler conditions helps retain natural acidity

The vineyard is planted to 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, a blend typical of the Saint-Émilion appellation. Merlot dominates, providing the rich, fleshy dark fruit character central to the wine's identity. Cabernet Franc contributes structure, herbal lift, and mid-palate complexity, while the small proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon adds backbone and aging potential. Renowned Pomerol and Saint-Émilion oenologist Michel Rolland consults on winemaking, bringing a precision-driven approach that has shaped the estate's modern style.

• 65% Merlot forms the rich, fruit-forward core of the blend
• 30% Cabernet Franc adds structure and aromatic complexity
• 5% Cabernet Sauvignon contributes tannin and longevity
• Michel Rolland's consultancy aligns the estate with Right Bank quality benchmarks

Château Petit Faurie de Soutard produces a full-bodied red with richly extracted dark fruit, notes of spice, and elegant tannins. The northern exposure moderates ripeness, keeping the style refined rather than opulent. The combination of clay-limestone soils and Rolland's winemaking influence produces wines with concentration and structure that reward medium-term cellaring, typically showing best with five to fifteen years of bottle age.