Chateau FigeacProducer from Bordeaux, France

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux

Château Figeac, one of the oldest and most distinguished estates in Saint-Émilion, is celebrated for producing wines of remarkable finesse, structure, and longevity. As a Premier Grand Cru Classé B, Figeac has a reputation for crafting wines that are both elegant and complex, with a unique character that sets it apart from other Saint-Émilion châteaux. With a history that dates back to the Roman era and a distinctive terroir that favours Cabernet Sauvignon, Château Figeac is a true icon of Bordeaux.

History of Château Figeac

The history of Château Figeac is as ancient as it is illustrious. The estate’s origins can be traced back to the Gallo-Roman period, when it was part of a large villa known as "Villa Figeacus." Over the centuries, Château Figeac has been owned by various noble families, each contributing to its development and prestige. However, it was in the late 19th century, under the ownership of the Manoncourt family, that Figeac began to establish itself as one of the leading estates in Saint-Émilion.

Thierry Manoncourt, who took over the estate in 1947, was a visionary winemaker who introduced numerous innovations, including the practice of planting a significant proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, which was unusual for the Right Bank. This decision, along with his focus on low yields and meticulous vineyard management, helped Château Figeac earn its status as a Premier Grand Cru Classé in the Saint-Émilion Classification of 1955.

Today, Château Figeac is managed by the descendants of Thierry Manoncourt, who continue to uphold the estate’s tradition of excellence. Figeac remains one of the most respected names in Saint-Émilion, known for producing wines that are both powerful and refined.

The Terroir of Château Figeac

The terroir of Château Figeac is one of the estate’s most distinctive features, contributing to the unique character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 54 hectares of vineyards are located on three gravelly ridges, which are more typically associated with the Médoc than Saint-Émilion. These deep gravel soils provide excellent drainage and are ideal for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon, which forms the backbone of Figeac’s wines.

The vineyard is planted with 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, and 30% Merlot. This unusual blend for Saint-Émilion reflects the estate’s commitment to producing wines that are both structured and balanced, with Cabernet Sauvignon providing tannic structure and ageing potential, Cabernet Franc contributing elegance and aromatic complexity, and Merlot adding richness and roundness.

The unique combination of gravel soils and a balanced blend of grape varieties allows Château Figeac to produce wines that are both complex and harmonious, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Château Figeac

Winemaking at Château Figeac 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. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, allowing for precise control over the extraction of flavours and tannins.

The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for 15 to 18 months, with about 50% to 100% new oak used each year, depending on the vintage. This ageing process enhances the wines' complexity and depth, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavours to integrate harmoniously. The result is a wine that is both approachable in its youth and capable of developing greater complexity and nuance over time.