Four soils. An orchestra of terroir.
At La Suite aux Conseillans, four different soils come together on just a few hectares – clay , gravel , clay-gravel , and sand . This diversity is the source of our style: from the subtle tension of the clay soil to the cool precision of the gravelly vineyards, wines with their own distinct voices emerge – like movements in a suite that together form a harmonious whole.
The classification is based on a geopedological soil analysis (2024) using ground-penetrating sonar, aerial imagery/drone analysis, numerous soil profile pits, and laboratory analyses . This analysis was conducted by external soil specialists (Horizons Viticoles; Étienne Fayolle & Maxime Christen) according to established Bordeaux standards. The following sections present the four terroirs in a way that is easily understood by wine lovers – while simultaneously providing scientific evidence .
Overview & Plot Map
Our vineyard plots are color-coded according to grape variety. Below you will find the four terroirs with brief descriptions and the corresponding information on plot → soil → wine .
Clay – Foundation & Tension
Clay acts like the double bass in an orchestra. It retains moisture, provides support and stability – the foundation for wines with backbone, fine tension and deep, slow vibration.
In scientific terms: Predominantly luvisolian/colluvial (sablo-limoneux to limono-sablo-argileux), low skeletal content, good water retention capacity, neutral pH values, and moderate cation exchange capacity. This promotes uniform growth , balanced acidity , and fine-grained tannins.
Plots: C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6.1, C6.2, C7, C9
Wines (excerpt): Sarabande (C1, C2, C3, C5, C9), Courante (C1, C9), Gigue (C7), Prélude Rosé (C3)
Gravel – Energy & Precision
Gravel is the pulse. The stones store heat, ripening progresses rapidly – the wines appear taut, clear and rhythmic, like a precise percussion instrument.
Scientifically speaking: Peyrosols/Colluviosols graveleux with a high skeletal content and excellent drainage. Low nutrient levels control growth, small berries, concentrated phenolics, clear contours.
Plots: C13, C14
Wines (extract): Gigue (C13), Allemande (C14)
Sand – Lightness & Clarity
Sand is a bright Allegro: delicate, clear, with plenty of space between the notes – the freshest voice of our terroir.
In scientific terms: Brunisol lessivé with sandy topsoil over molasse. Rapid warming, low water retention – requires precise cover crop and canopy management. Result: aromatic clarity, fine acidity, salty freshness.
Plot: C15
Wine: Capriccio (Alvarinho)
Clay-pebbles – balance & depth
Where clay and gravel meet, polyphony arises: structure and warmth, depth and finesse. Wines with body and elegance – balanced like voices in a suite.
In scientific terms: transition from Luvisolian to Peyrosolian ; gravelly topsoil over Sablo-argileux. Good root penetration, stable water supply. Combination of structural backbone (clay) and thermal maturity (gravel).
Plots: C8, C10, C11, C12
Wines (selection): Sarabande (C8, C12), Gigue – Cabernet component (C12), Allemande (C12)
Plot → Soil → Wine (brief overview)
- Clay: C1 (Sarabande, Courante), C2 (Sarabande), C3 (Sarabande, Prélude Rosé), C4 (Malbec/Cot grape variety), C5 (Sarabande), C6.1/C6.2 (—), C7 (Gigue), C9 (Sarabande, Courante)
- Gravel: C13 (Gigue), C14 (Allemande)
- Clay pebbles: C8 (Sarabande), C10 (—), C11 (—), C12 (Sarabande, Gigue – Cabernet share, Allemande)
- Sand: C15 (Capriccio)
Note: the Intermezzo (Sauvignon Blanc) does not come from these parcels.
Scientific basis
Geopedological survey 2024 using ground-penetrating sonar, high-resolution aerial/drone imagery, profile pits (down to ~1.2 m), and laboratory analyses of texture and chemical parameters. Conducted by Horizons Viticoles (Étienne Fayolle & Maxime Christen). Methodology and classification are based on established standards in Bordeaux.
For those interested, we will provide the complete maps, profile descriptions and tables upon request.
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