Château Fombrauge

Château Fombrauge: A Legend of Saint-Émilion

Château Fombrauge, located in the heart of the famous hills of Saint-Émilion, is a historic estate that is an integral part of the region’s viticultural heritage. In 2012, the château was promoted to Grand Cru Classé, a prestigious distinction that crowns the relentless efforts of its owner, Bernard Magrez, a true visionary and wine enthusiast.

With its 58 hectares of vineyards, the estate benefits from a rich and varied terroir, composed of clay-limestone and sandy soils, contributing to the unique complexity of its wines. The château, dating back to the 17th century, was originally a Carthusian monastery, adding a historical dimension to the beauty of the site.

The Grape Varieties: Predominantly Merlot for Great Softness

Château Fombrauge is primarily planted with Merlot (95%), accompanied by 5% Cabernet Franc, two iconic grape varieties of the Saint-Émilion region. This combination gives the wine great softness, with discreet tannins that make it particularly accessible from the early years after bottling.

Merlot is renowned for bringing rich, fruity aromas, with a dominance of red fruits like blackcurrant and cherry. These characteristics are perfectly reflected in Château Fombrauge, which captivates with its round and silky character.

Vinification and Aging Methods: The Care of Tradition

The winemaking at Château Fombrauge follows a meticulous approach aimed at expressing the full potential of the terroir. After a carefully conducted harvest, the grapes are attentively fermented to retain the intense fruit flavors. The aging process lasts 18 months, a refined method that combines tradition and innovation:

• 45% in new barrels: to bring delicate and complex woody notes.
• 45% in one-wine barrels: preserving the freshness and intensity of the fruit.
• 10% in latest-generation concrete vats: to maintain perfect control of the wine’s temperature and oxygenation.

This unique combination of aging results in a perfect balance between fruity aromas and spicy or woody nuances, while preserving great freshness.

The Red Wine: An Explosion of Fruity Flavors

The red wine of Château Fombrauge is renowned for its expressive red fruit aromas. You can find notes of blackcurrant and cherry, which harmoniously blend with subtle woody touches brought by barrel aging. It is a wine that stands out for its great softness, with round and smooth tannins, making it accessible while maintaining a promising aging potential.

On tasting, it reveals a full and velvety palate, with a beautiful length and a fresh, fruity finish. This wine is perfect to accompany red meats, dishes with sauces, or even matured cheeses.

The White Wine of Château Fombrauge: An Exceptional Bordeaux

Although Château Fombrauge is primarily known for its red wines, it also produces a white wine under the Bordeaux Blanc appellation. This rare white wine is crafted from specific grape varieties, offering lively aromas and remarkable freshness.

This white wine is perfect for pairing with seafood dishes, grilled fish, or even fresh cheeses. With a more limited production compared to the reds, this white wine is a true gem for Bordeaux wine lovers to discover.

A Historic Estate: The 17th Century Carthusian Monastery

Château Fombrauge is not only recognized for the quality of its wines but also for its architectural heritage. The imposing Carthusian monastery at the heart of the estate dates back to the 17th century, bearing witness to the long and rich history of the property. Once a cloister of Carthusian monks, this place steeped in history adds a unique dimension to the identity of the estate.

A Diverse Terroir: Unique Complexity

The terroir of Château Fombrauge is a true asset for the quality of its wines. The soils vary between clay, limestone, and sand, offering diversity that translates into a unique aromatic complexity. Each parcel of the estate receives particular attention, allowing for the best exploitation of the characteristics of each soil type.

This soil diversity is a key factor that enables Château Fombrauge wines to express rich and varied aromas while maintaining great finesse.

Conclusion: Château Fombrauge, A Wine of Character

Château Fombrauge is an essential reference among the Grands Crus Classés of Saint-Émilion. With its Merlot-centric grape varieties, meticulous aging methods, and exceptional terroir, it produces wines that are both accessible and highly complex.

Whether you are a fan of soft and fruity red wines or looking to discover an exceptional Bordeaux white, Château Fombrauge will seduce you with the consistent quality of its productions. Don't hesitate to visit the estate to discover the fascinating history of this ancient Carthusian monastery and taste these emblematic wines of the Saint-Émilion region.

FAQ about Château Fombrauge

What is the size of Château Fombrauge’s vineyard? The Château Fombrauge vineyard covers 58 hectares, located on the hills of Saint-Émilion.

What grape varieties are used for Château Fombrauge’s red wines? The red wines are primarily composed of Merlot (95%) and Cabernet Franc (5%).

How does the aging process work at Château Fombrauge? Aging lasts for 18 months, split between 45% new barrels, 45% one-wine barrels, and 10% concrete vats.

What are the main aromas of Château Fombrauge’s red wines? The red wines feature red fruit aromas, primarily blackcurrant and cherry.

Does Château Fombrauge produce white wine? Yes, Château Fombrauge also produces a white wine under the Bordeaux Blanc appellation.

When was Château Fombrauge classified as a Grand Cru Classé? Château Fombrauge was promoted to Grand Cru Classé in 2012, under the leadership of its owner Bernard Magrez.