Château Fombrauge Red 2021

Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Émilion

Six centuries of history. Château Fombrauge embodies the elegance of Saint-Emilion's Grands Crus Classés . The estate boasts an exceptional terroir, giving it elegance, complexity and distinction. The wine from Château Fombrauge is matured using traditional methods, combined with innovative, environmentally-friendly practices, which give it charm and complexity.

Features

Appellation: AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Location: Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes
2021 blend: 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc
Age of vines: 22 years
Planting density: 6,600 vines/ha

Tasting

Dark purple color with violet undertones and an almost black core. Aromatic nose with a distinct oak influence, in the background ripe plums, prunes and hints of chocolate. On the palate, rather medium-bodied with good length, juicy fruit and herbal notes, well-balanced tannins.

Food & wine pairing

Red meat
Ripened cheeses
Mediterranean cuisine
Duck dishes
Mushroom dishes

Conservation

5-20 years

Product from a High Environmental Value farm

SME: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR BORDEAUX WINES

Ratings & Awards

93/100
James Suckling
93/100
Vinous

93/100

James Suckling

"Fragrant and fresh with flowers such as lavender and violets. Medium-bodied with fine layered tannins and a refined texture."

93/100

Vinous

"Fombrauge 2021 is a bright, punchy wine. In 2021, readers will find a resolutely supple Fombrauge built on a core of red-fleshed fruit and bright acids, with less overt richness and oak intensity than in the past. I really like the dynamism here. Lively saline notes punctuate the finish."

Winegrowing singularities

Wine Singularities

Climate

Technical itineraries tailored to each plot of land, in keeping with the terroir of Fombrauge.
Use of precision viticultural techniques (Greenseeker, drone, robotics) to optimize farm performance in terms of product quality and the environment.

Parcel-by-parcel selection by terroir, grape variety and vine age.
Intra-cellular selection using vigour and maturity maps based on NDVI measurements.
Hand-picked in small crates.
Table sorting before and after destemming.
Gravity-fed 40 and 80 hl wooden, stainless steel and concrete vats.
Pre-fermentation maceration for 4 to 8 days at 8°C.
Gentle extraction by pumping over.
Malolactic fermentation in new barrels, one-wine barrels or vats, depending on tasting.

The 2021 vintage in the Saint-Émilion appellation was shaped by a variety of climatic conditions that influenced the quality and character of the wines produced. Winter conditions were close to ten-year averages, providing a regular winter resting period for the vines and a good start to the coming vegetative cycle.

In spring, the region enjoyed warm temperatures and dry weather, creating ideal conditions for early, even flowering. However, this dry period required careful irrigation management to ensure optimal development of the grape bunches.

During the summer, temperatures remained within seasonal norms, but stormy spells punctuated the season. These storms brought welcome precipitation, but also required constant monitoring to prevent the risk of fungal diseases in Vineyards.