Chateau de FieuzalProducer from Bordeaux, France

Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux

Château de Fieuzal is a prestigious estate in Pessac-Léognan, known for producing both red and white wines of exceptional quality, complexity, and ageing potential. As a Grand Cru Classé in the Graves Classification of 1953, Fieuzal stands as a testament to the region’s ability to craft wines that reflect the unique terroir of Pessac-Léognan. With a history that dates back to the 16th century and a commitment to producing wines that are both elegant and powerful, Château de Fieuzal is a true gem of Bordeaux.

History of Château de Fieuzal

The history of Château de Fieuzal dates back to the 16th century when the estate was first established in the heart of the Graves region. The property was initially known as "Fieuzal," after the family that owned it for several centuries. In the 19th century, Château de Fieuzal gained recognition for the quality of its wines, particularly its whites, which were celebrated for their elegance and complexity.

In 2001, Château de Fieuzal was acquired by Lochlann Quinn, an Irish financier, who has since invested significantly in the vineyard and winery. Under his ownership, the estate has embraced modern winemaking techniques while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. These efforts have helped Château de Fieuzal maintain its status as one of the leading estates in Pessac-Léognan, producing wines that are celebrated for their balance, complexity, and ability to age gracefully.

The Terroir of Château de Fieuzal

The terroir of Château de Fieuzal is one of its most defining features, contributing to the unique character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 75 hectares of vineyards are located on a gravelly plateau in Pessac-Léognan, where the soils are a mix of gravel, clay, and sand. These well-drained soils are ideal for cultivating both red and white grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sémillon.

The red vineyard is planted with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 4.5% Petit Verdot, and 2.5% Cabernet Franc, while the white vineyard is planted with 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Sémillon, and 10% Muscadelle. This blend reflects the estate’s commitment to producing wines that are both powerful and balanced, with the red wines offering richness, structure, and aromatic complexity, and the white wines providing freshness, precision, and depth.

The unique combination of soils, exposure, and grape varieties allows Château de Fieuzal to produce wines that are both elegant and refined, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Château de Fieuzal

Winemaking at Château de Fieuzal is a meticulous process that combines tradition with innovation. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo rigorous sorting to ensure that only the finest fruit is used in the winemaking process. Fermentation for the red wines takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, while the white wines are fermented in French oak barrels.

The red wines are aged in French oak barrels for 12 to 16 months, with about 50% new oak used each year, while the white wines are aged in French oak barrels for 9 to 12 months, with about 40% new oak. This ageing process enhances the wines' complexity and depth, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavours to integrate harmoniously.