CHÂTEAU FIGEAC (750ml)
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Wine Type
Red Wine
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Size
750ml
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Vintage
2018
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Country
France
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Region
Bordeaux
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Sub-Region
Saint Emilion
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Grape
Cabernet FrancCabernet SauvignonMerlot
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Farming Method
ConventionalMost products with this label come from producers who do their best to avoid any intervention at all but it’s possible that some of the aforementioned preventative measures and additions are deemed necessary. Learn More
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ABV
14.5%
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Food Pairing
SteakCheeseRed Meat
Figeac is an ancient Bordeaux vineyard which can trace its origins as far back as the second century during the ancient Gallo-Roman period. At that time, the owner of the property, Figeacus gave his name to the villa he built in the same location. Figeac is one of the few St. Emilion wine vineyards that has remained continually occupied for the past two thousand years. In 1947, Thierry Manoncourt, an agronomist and one of the founders of the Bordeaux Grand Crus Union, took over the property. He was as traditional as he was innovative. When he completely renovated the cellars and wine-making facilities. Under his ownership in 1971, Figeac was the first major estate in the Right Bank to use temperature-controlled, stainless steel vats in the fermentation room as well as the first estate in the Right Bank to produce a second wine. Thierry passed away in 2010.
Following the reclassification of St. Emilion in 2013, Figeac lobbied but did not come close to receiving its much, sought-after promotion to Grand Cru Classe A status, Figeac made steps to improve their wines, image, and position on the marketplace. Today the estate is Haute Valeur Environnementale Level 3 certified; they farm with a focus on organics and biodiverity.
— CELLAR SELECTION —
Tasting Notes
Stunning aromas and flavors of black fruit, dark cherry, plum, mocha, licorice, rose petal and spice will reward those who allow the wine to open up in the glass. Layers of fruit, earth, crushed stone and floral notes abound in this dense and well structured Saint Emilion. It is full bodied with firm tannins. Its new oak elevage is seamlessly integrated allowing the terroir and varietal notes to take center stage. This is an exceptional and memorable red that is destined to mark a special occasion or a very special meal.
Method
The 42-hectare vineyard of Chateau Figeac is planted to 35% Cabernet Franc, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. The higher percentage of Cabernet makes this a unique vineyard in the Right Bank. In part, this has a lot to do with the unique fine, gravel-based soils. This terroir is uncommon in the Right Bank with its gravel, quartz, iron, clay and sand soils. Figeac is situated in the gravelly part of Saint Emilion, which takes its name as you might guess, from the gravel in the soil. There are 5 gravel hillsides in this area, and 3 of those hills are at Figeac. As you travel east, you find more clay. If you head west, the soil is lighter, with more sand. More than 50% of the vines are farmed organically. In 2009, the estate started their own massale selection program taken from the oldest vines from each of the three grape varieties in the vineyard.
The grapes are fermented in a combination of large, temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks and large, open-top wood vats. Vinification takes place parcel by parcel. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels and the wine is then aged in 100% new, French oak barrels for between 14 to 18 months before bottling.
The blend varies from vintage to vintage, depending on the character of the year, and how each separate grape variety performed.
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