Chateau de FonbelProducer from Bordeaux, France

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux

Château de Fonbel is a well-regarded estate located in the prestigious Saint-Émilion appellation on Bordeaux’s Right Bank. Owned by the Vauthier family, who also manage the illustrious Château Ausone, Château de Fonbel offers exceptional value for Saint-Émilion Grand Cru wines. Known for its approachable and elegant style, Château de Fonbel consistently delivers quality wines that reflect the terroir and craftsmanship of this historic region.

History of Château de Fonbel

Château de Fonbel has been part of the Vauthier family’s portfolio since the late 20th century, under the stewardship of Alain Vauthier, the owner of Château Ausone. The Vauthiers, one of Bordeaux’s most prominent wine families, have played a crucial role in the rise of Fonbel’s reputation. While Château Ausone remains the flagship estate of the family, the same dedication to quality and precision is applied to Château de Fonbel, resulting in a wine that represents Saint-Émilion’s classic style at a more accessible price point.

Alain Vauthier’s management of Château de Fonbel has brought significant attention to the estate, especially given the Vauthiers’ reputation for excellence at Château Ausone, a Premier Grand Cru Classé (A). The expertise of the family has allowed Château de Fonbel to emerge as a standout in the competitive Saint-Émilion market.

Terroir of Château de Fonbel

The vineyards of Château de Fonbel span 16 hectares in the fertile Saint-Émilion region, with a mix of sandy, gravelly, and clay-limestone soils. These diverse soil types contribute to the complexity of the wines, offering both richness and freshness. The estate’s vineyards are planted with 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, and 3% Carmenère, a blend that gives the wines a unique character compared to the typical Saint-Émilion profile.

The clay-limestone soils are particularly suited to Merlot, which thrives in these conditions, lending the wines their signature roundness and plush fruit character. The gravelly and sandy soils, meanwhile, allow Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot to develop structure and minerality, enhancing the wine’s overall complexity. The rare inclusion of Carmenère adds a touch of spice, making Château de Fonbel distinct within Saint-Émilion.

Winemaking at Château de Fonbel

Winemaking at Château de Fonbel follows traditional practices under the careful oversight of Alain Vauthier. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo sorting to ensure only the best fruit is used. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, which allows for precise control over the extraction of flavours, tannins, and colour.

After fermentation, the wine is aged for 12 months in a combination of French oak barrels and stainless steel, with about 30% new oak used each year. This careful balance between oak and stainless steel ensures that the wine retains its fruit purity while gaining complexity and texture from the oak. The result is a wine that is approachable when young but can age for up to a decade, developing additional depth and refinement over time.

Style of Wine Produced

Château de Fonbel produces medium to full-bodied wines that are rich and approachable, with a focus on balance and elegance. Merlot dominates the blend, contributing ripe flavours of plum and blackberry, while Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure and tannins. Petit Verdot and Carmenère provide spice and complexity. The wines are known for their soft, supple tannins and fresh acidity, making them enjoyable in their youth but also capable of ageing.

Château de Fonbel benefits from the expertise and attention to detail of the Vauthier family, who have elevated its status in the Saint-Émilion appellation. While Château Ausone garners most of the fame, Château de Fonbel is a hidden gem that offers excellent quality for its price.