Producer Profile: Château de Sours

Few Bordeaux estates have reinvented themselves quite like Château de Sours. Hidden amongst the rolling hills of Entre-Deux-Mers, the 16th-century property was long known for its British connections. Under the ownership of Esme Johnson, founder of Majestic Wine Warehouse, and later entrepreneur Martin Krajewski, the estate's pioneering rosé helped put Château de Sours on the wine map. However, it wasn't until 2015 when Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba, acquired the estate - including its 18th-century château - that global attention turned to this quiet corner of Bordeaux.

Amid waves of outside investment in French châteaux, the tech giant's arrival prompted great speculation, sparking rumours of a 'mini-Versailles' and plans to fell neighbouring forestland. However, a decade later, the reality speaks far louder than the rumours. What defines Château de Sours today is a deep commitment to terroir, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability.

A Living Landscape

The vineyard ecosystem that Ma and his team have created is remarkable in both scale and aspiration. Across the estate, 30,000 roses, 25,000 hydrangeas, 5,000 fruit trees and over 6,000 oaks punctuate the landscape. Wildflower meadows hum with life, while 90 beehives, Highland cattle, goats and wild boar contribute to a thriving agroecological system that supports pollination, natural fertilisation and soil health.

 

There are 26 newly created lakes that assist with drainage and water management. Rather than aesthetic uniformity, the estate is a mosaic of habitats designed to strengthen the vines by encouraging balance and resilience within the environment.

Under the leadership of general manager Sébastien Jacquey, nature and viticultural precision flourish side by side. "Our aim," he says, "is to show our climats, elevate our agroecological approach, and seek precision."

The estate spans more than 200 hectares, with 53 under vine and 43 currently in production. Every plot has undergone detailed soil studies and microclimate analysis to define its character and potential.

"The goal," explains vineyard manager Alina Pavel, "is to establish sustainable, high-quality viticulture and to understand how today's choices will shape tomorrow's vines — with the plant at the centre of every technical and scientific decision."

Varietal diversity is a pillar of Château de Sours' sustainability strategy. Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon form the core of the plantings, complemented by smaller parcels of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Sauvignon Gris, Ugni Blanc, Colombard and Alvarinho.

Vineyard restructuring has focused on massal selection, double grafting and the introduction of disease-resistant varieties. "We want to honour Bordeaux's classic grapes while embracing the new varieties approved in 2021," says Jacquey, "so we can adapt to climate change and produce wines of greater individuality and depth."

A Winery Built for Precision

Completed in 2022, the estate's new winery encapsulates Ma's pursuit of terroir and technical precision. The state-of-the-art facilities are designed for single-plot vinifications, preserving the identity of each parcel through a variety of vessels: stainless steel, concrete, amphorae, glass wine globes, new and seasoned barriques, and large Stockinger foudres.



Technology adds another layer of refinement to the operation. Autonomous mobile robots - currently the only system of their kind in the world - transport grapes from the sorting table to the fermentation vats, moving up to ten tonnes per hour with laser-guided accuracy. A remote temperature-control system with automatic alerts ensures consistency throughout fermentation, while Digital Twin technology creates a virtual model of the cellar, optimising workflow and efficiency.

The Team Behind the Transformation

At the forefront is Clarisse Naulet, technical director, who joined the estate in 2012 and has played a pivotal role in guiding its evolution. "We are fortunate to have an exceptional vineyard," she says, "and a proprietor who gives us the means to innovate and craft premium wines."

Working alongside her is cellar master Élise Piron, whose meticulous and creative approach has become central to the estate's style. "This job is a daily challenge," she reflects. "But nothing is more rewarding than seeing the results in the glass." Piron experiments constantly, refining the use of foudres, amphorae and barrels to explore new interpretations of the terroir. "Each vessel offers a different perspective," she adds.

Together, this all-female winemaking team embodies a contemporary face of Bordeaux: technically driven, forward-thinking, and unafraid to push the boundaries of what's possible in Entre-Deux-Mers.

Future Ambitions

As the estate looks ahead, Château de Sours is preparing to take its wines beyond France and China. "In a region where lineage and classification often dominate the conversation," says Jacquey, "we take a longer view. Our role is to leave this place better — more alive, more resilient — than we found it."