OUR GRAPES

From the beginning, Chateau Souverain has had a presence in the finest appellations of Northern California's wine country. Our wines are from some of the world's best growing regions and are a testament to the careful execution of our process.

Alexander Valley and Sonoma County

Chateau Souverain is located at the historic Asti Winery in the very northern reaches of the Alexander Valley. We work with fruit from both long-term grower relationships as well as vineyards that we have farmed for over 20 years throughout Sonoma County, including Alexander Valley, Lake County, Mendocino and Russian River.

Alexander Valley is approximately 30 miles from the Pacific Ocean and encompasses 76,000 acres. The climate mixes coastal and inland elements: warming the vineyards with daytime temperatures in the 80s and low 90s, and then rapidly cooling them. In the late afternoon, low pressure draws strong marine breezes into the region. At night, fog from the Pacific Ocean flows up the Russian River channel, keeping many vineyards cool and shaded until nearly midday. Our grapes have the luxury to ripen slowly, developing higher acidity, a lower pH, good color and a full expression of the varietal’s characteristics.

The region's topsoil is a mixture of sedimentary and volcanic material deposited by the Russian River and local tributaries over thousands of years. Additionally, the Russian River sculpted much of the region's topography, creating elevated sites with soils that are inherently drier and less fertile than those in the lower plains. Here vine yields are naturally limited and produce fruit with more concentrated varietal aromas and flavors. Dramatic hillside vineyards in Alexander Valley—some reaching 2,000 feet in elevation—are plentiful in the Mayacamas Mountains and plantings are limited in acreage by the steep slopes and thin, rocky soil.

The North Coast Appellation

In addition to Alexander Valley and Russian River Valley, Chateau Souverain sources wine from the North Coast appellation. This appellation has long been known for producing outstanding grapes from Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties. Each has unique microclimates and a vast array of soil types. These areas are renowned for the specific varietals that thrive there, making Chateau Souverain's Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, from the North Coast among the most beautiful expressions of these varietals.