THE VINEYARD

THE CLIMATE, SOIL AND TOPOGRAPHY

Situated on the right bank of the Dordogne River (north of Bordeaux), the Saint-Emilion region benefits from a moderate oceanic climate. Moderate temperature differences between summer and winter with an average annual temperature of 12.8°C and rainfall well distributed over the year make this region the ideal place for growing vines. The grapes reach a perfect maturity thanks to the hot summers and the beautiful after season. In the spring, the Dordogne and Isle rivers protect the bunches of grapes from the risk of frost. The 5 hectares of Château La Croizille are situated on one of the slopes of the Saint-Emilion clay and limestone plateau in one of the most beautiful combs of the region, benefiting from different orientations. On the other hand, the topographical position of the sloping land reinforces the draining capacity of the soils. The subsoil of the vineyard is made up of a calcareous molasse covered with a clay textured soil with a high water retention capacity. Therefore, subjected to slight water stress, the vine will plunge its roots deeper into the soil, which will benefit its development. Another particularity of our vineyard is the great diversity of its terroirs. We find on one same plot limestone, marls, different kinds of clay.

THE SELECTION OF GRAPE VARIETIES

The vineyard is planted with 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet. A detailed research of the soils and subsoils of Château La Croizille has enabled the planting of the grape varieties best suited to our terroirs. Situated in a valley (combe), the vineyard of Château La Croizille presents different exposures and soils, with a dominant clay-limestone, perfect for preserving the freshness and humidity so favourable to Merlot. The Cabernet Sauvignon, which reinforces the tannins and the aptitude for ageing, likes the dry and warm soils of the vineyard and is planted on our slopes facing south.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT

Like all the De Schepper family's estates, the vineyard of Château La Croizille is part of a collective environmental managing program since 2015 and has been certified "High Environmental Value" level 3 in 2017. At the estate, the team does its best all year long to improve its performance by reducing its environmental impact. Cultivation methods ensure the respect for the soil, the vines and the auxiliary fauna. The biodiversity of the estate, i.e. the visible and attested presence of a diversity of fauna and flora - fragile, useful and extraordinarily rich - is the concrete benefit of the quality of the good cultivation practices applied on the estate. On the other hand, we pay more attention as ever on the low use of phytosanitary inputs and fertilisers, as well as to the preservation of water resources. This is achieved by involving all staff in a unifying project.