Château Fonplegade: a Grand Cru Classé of exceptional regularity
Let's discover this wine which has been captivating with its consistency for several decades. Grand Cru Classé praised by leading critics Château Fonplegade it is also the richness of a past, or even a organic farming that respects the vine on the lands of Saint-EmilionLet's go!
Saint-Emilion, these are obviously the first classified growths A : Château Angélus, Château Ausonius, Château Cheval Blanc,... But not only that. Other great wines also contribute to the renown of this appellation and the delight of our taste buds.
This is the case of Château Fonplegade, A domaine a story steeped in history that we present to you today.
At Château Fonplégade, the vineyards are intertwined with history
The vineyards at Château Fonplegade These aren't new! Indeed, this Château, surrounded byancient Roman furrows, was already a land of winegrowers in theAntiquity.
Located in the heart of domaine, The fountain is like the soul of the latter, and for a long time it quenched the thirst of both the vines and the thirsty pilgrims. It is from this fountain that the château, Fonplégade meaning "Fountain of Abundance».
In the 19th century, the domaine truly takes shape thanks to Jean-Pierre Beylot who built there in 1852 the château And expands the vineyardgiving it its current area of 18.5 ha.
THE half-brother and half-sister of Napoleon III added their touch, elevating it among the wines the most renowned in France.
Tradition and organic farming: the keys to a successful wine
At the time of the 1855 classification Under Napoleon III, Fonplégade was among the First Growth Classified Wines He retained this title until 1940. In the following decades, the domaine will lose some of its splendor, in order to take on a new lease of life.
Thus in 2004, Stephen and Denise AdamsA passionate American couple, in love with the St-Emilion terroir, took over the domaine with the aim of restoring its former glory. The cellars are renovated, the techniques improved, and a real turning point is taken in order to to make Fonplégade an organic wine worthy of the St-Emilion terroir. And it's a success!
Located on the South coast of St-EmilionThis 18.5-hectare vineyard is cultivated without the use of any synthetic chemicals, and the work in the vineyard is done by hand, sometimes with the help of horses. Their love for the land was recognized in 2013 with the awarding of the "Organic Farming"awarded in 2013 to château by the organization ECOCERT.
THE 27 plots which make up the domaine are located at 7 different levels on hillsides or plateaus, and 3 types of soil Limestone, sand, and clay. Thus, each plot is unique and can express its own potential. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, And Cabernet SauvignonThese three grape varieties are used to produce the eponymous wine, respectively Château of Red Fonplegade, their second vin there Red Fonplegade Flower as well as a Pink Fonplegade Flower.
THE Grand Cru Classé Château Fonplégade praised by critics
If he is no longer with us today First Grand Cru Classébut "simply" Grand Cru Classé, >the Château Fonplégade is nonetheless praised by critics, who are unanimous in their praise of its quality.
A tasting led by our sommelier
Here is an excerpt from the tasting notes provided by our favorite sommelier:
Complete, at once rich, silky and underscored by a touch of pleasant minerality.
Indeed, the Château Fonplegade combines a fine wood and wonderfully integrated, with a nose on the black fruit. The velvety texture and soft tannins They pleasantly coat the palate. A truly delicious wine that will delight even the most discerning of our readers!
The opinions of leading critics
The 2013 vintage did not disappoint, ranking among the " Michel Bettane's Favorites and being part of the List of the best 2013 Bordeaux wines aged in barrels " of Wine Spectator.
Robert Parker scores above 90
The wine demonstrates a rare regularitysatisfying critics vintage after vintage. Robert Parker awarded the 2012 vintage a fine rating. 93+As for the 2010 vintage, the wine is rated 94+placing it on the same level as a Château Feytit Clinet (Pomerol), or Beychevelle (Saint-Julien Grand Cru Classé).
Indeed, the Château Fonplégade did not know no score below 90/100 since its 2005 vintage!
Regardless of the vintage quality in the Bordeaux region, Fonplégade manages to stand out, producing consistently high-quality wines. Whether they are considered exceptional, like the 2009 or 2010 vintages, or more challenging, like the 2013 vintage, the Château manages to fill the the finest palates thanks to an incredible complexity and one tannic structure outstanding.