Fombrauge, Chateau
Summary
Château Fombrauge is a historic Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé estate spanning 58 hectares across diverse terroirs of limestone plateaus, clay-limestone slopes, and sandy soils with clay subsoils, primarily producing Merlot-dominated red wines. The château combines traditional methods with technical precision through plot-by-plot management, hand-harvesting, and parcel-specific vinification under Michel Rolland's guidance, while maintaining sustainable practices that honor the property's heritage dating to 1599.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Fombrauge stands as one of Saint-Émilion's oldest estates, with records dating its founding to 1599. The property's name derives from "Fons Brogiera," meaning "source surrounded by broom shrubs," reflecting its natural landscape. The Cailleau family first established the estate in the 16th century, beginning a long succession of ownership that would span several centuries.
In 2004, Bernard Magrez acquired Château Fombrauge, marking a significant turning point in the estate's development. Under Magrez's direction, the château underwent extensive renovations to both the winemaking facilities and the historic buildings. This investment in quality was recognized in 2006 when Fombrauge achieved Grand Cru Classé status in the Saint-Émilion classification, validating the property's historical significance and quality improvements.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Fombrauge's vineyards span 58 hectares (143 acres) in Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes within the Saint-Émilion appellation. The vineyard benefits from a diverse terroir comprising limestone plateaus, clay-limestone slopes, and sandy soils with clay subsoils, providing distinct growing conditions across the property.
The vineyard is planted predominantly with Merlot (77%), complemented by Cabernet Franc (14%), Cabernet Sauvignon (6%), and Malbec (3%). This varietal composition reflects the traditional Saint-Émilion preference for Merlot while maintaining complexity through supporting varieties.
The estate produces several wines, with the flagship Château Fombrauge representing the property's primary expression. The second wine, Magrez Fombrauge, offers an earlier-drinking alternative while maintaining the estate's character. Notably, Fombrauge also produces a limited white wine, Blanc de Fombrauge, from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon—unusual for the predominantly red wine region of Saint-Émilion.
Philosophy & Practice
Château Fombrauge combines traditional Bordeaux winemaking principles with modern precision. The estate practices plot-by-plot vineyard management and harvesting, allowing each parcel to reach optimal ripeness. All grapes are hand-harvested and undergo rigorous manual sorting to ensure only the highest quality fruit enters production.
The winemaking facility features temperature-controlled stainless steel vats for precise fermentation control, with separate tanks allowing for parcel-by-parcel vinification. Michel Rolland serves as consulting oenologist, bringing his technical expertise to the winemaking process. The red wines age in French oak barrels for 18 months, with 40-60% new oak depending on the vintage characteristics.
The estate implements sustainable viticulture practices focused on minimal intervention, though it does not hold formal organic certification. This approach includes reduced chemical inputs, cover crops between rows to promote biodiversity, and water conservation measures. The combination of traditional Saint-Émilion methods with technical precision reflects Fombrauge's commitment to expressing its historic terroir through contemporary winemaking standards.