Figeac
History and Background
Château Figeac, located in Saint-Émilion on the right bank of Bordeaux, France, indeed boasts a long and rich history, though its origins are not as ancient as the 2nd century AD. The estate's documented records trace back to the 2nd century when it was a large villa belonging to the Figeacus family, which gave its name to the estate. However, the vineyard as known today began to take shape much later.
The estate that eventually became known as Château Figeac was formed in the late 18th century through the acquisition of several plots of land by the families over time. It was the property of the Carles family during the 17th century and later came into the possession of the Decazes family in the early 19th century, who were instrumental in expanding and improving the estate.
The modern period of Château Figeac began in 1892 when it was purchased by Henri de Chevremont. It wasn't until 1947 that Thierry Manoncourt, married to Marie-France de Chevremont, took over the management of the estate. Thierry, initially trained in agriculture, brought a revolutionary approach to the vineyard management and winemaking process. His significant contributions were indeed crucial in elevating Château Figeac's status in the world of fine wines.
Under Thierry Manoncourt's leadership, Château Figeac saw many modernizations in both vineyard management and the winemaking facility itself, including pioneering the use of stainless steel vats in Bordeaux in the 1960s. Thierry also redefined the estate’s wine style to accurately reflect its unique terroir, which is distinguished by its high gravel content that is well-suited for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon, unusual for a Right Bank estate.
The Manoncourt family, still the proprietors today, have continued Thierry’s innovative legacy and passion, significantly shaping the château’s development and maintaining its prestigious reputation globally. The estate continues to produce high-quality wines characteristic of the Saint-Émilion area but unique due to their higher proportion of Cabernet in the blend.
Vineyards and Terroir
Château Figeac, located in Saint-Émilion, stands out for its 40 hectares of unique terroir, markedly different from much of its Right Bank neighbors. The estate's soil is composed predominantly of gravel mixed with sand and a little clay—a rare find in Saint-Émilion and more typical of what might be found in the Médoc. This unique soil composition ensures excellent drainage and helps in heat retention, significantly influencing the vineyard’s microclimate and the ripening of the grapes. Château Figeac is notable for its atypical blend of grape varieties, comprising roughly equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, making its wine profile distinctive in the region with added structure and the capability for longer aging. This combination endows Figeac’s wines with a unique character, bridging the stylistic gap between the typical expressions of the Right and Left banks of Bordeaux.
Wine Style and Production
Château Figeac is renowned for producing wines that exemplify the finesse and complexity of the Saint-Émilion terroir. The estate is distinct within the region for its unusually high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, alongside Merlot and Cabernet Franc. This varietal composition contributes to Figeac’s wines being structured, with a remarkable ability to age, while still maintaining the elegance and balance that are characteristic of Saint-Émilion wines.
- Wine Style: The wines of Château Figeac are celebrated for their refined elegance, exceptional balance, and layered complexity. They are known for their deep, vibrant fruit, refined tannic structure, and aromatic intensity, which reflect the unique attributes of Saint-Émilion’s terroir.
- Production Techniques: Figeac employs a combination of traditional and contemporary vinification methods. The estate uses temperature-controlled stainless steel vats for fermentation, which helps in preserving the fresh fruit characteristics of the grapes, while also incorporating the use of new French oak barrels for aging, enhancing the wines’ complexity and longevity. The winery's commitment to limited intervention in the cellar ensures that the terroir’s influence prominently shines through in the final wine.
- Philosophy: The winemaking philosophy at Château Figeac centers around precision and meticulous management of the vineyards, adherence to sustainable viticulture practices, and a profound respect for the natural characteristics of each vintage. This approach ensures that each bottle expresses the authenticity and depth of their historic terroir.
Reputation
Château Figeac's wines have consistently garnered international acclaim for their quality, depth, and potential for graceful aging. Classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé A estate in Saint-Émilion, Château Figeac stands out as one of the iconic producers in the region. Its reputation for crafting exceptional wines resonates strongly with both critics and wine enthusiasts around the world.
Final Thoughts
Château Figeac epitomizes the richness and distinctiveness of Saint-Émilion. Known for its deep historical roots and a unique terroir that distinguishes it within the Bordeaux region, Château Figeac commits to a standard of excellence in winemaking. The estate's extensive vineyards are notable for their unusual composition of gravel, which allows it to produce wines that not only showcase the grandeur of Bordeaux but also the refined elegance specific to Saint-Émilion. As a prime representative of the right bank, Château Figeac serves as a crucial reference for connoisseurs and enthusiasts eager to explore top-quality Bordeaux wines.