Château Fonroque

The history of Château Fonroque

Château Fonroque was acquired by Adèle and Jean Moueix in 1931. It was then passed down from generation to generation. Since 2017, Château Fonroque has been owned by the Guillard family.

In the 1980s, the estate was restructured. New vines were planted and an automatic drainage and thinning system was installed. From 2001 onwards, Alain Moueix, great-grandson of Jean and Adèle, agricultural engineer and oenologist by training, undertook a new renovation of the estate. He began his conversion to organic farming, followed by biodynamic viticulture.

Today, he holds certification for the entire vineyard, which now covers 17.6 hectares in the Saint Émilion appellation. The total estate, including the château, represents 20 hectares.

The Château Fonroque vineyard

The Château Fonroque vineyard is made up of limestone, calcareous clay and sandy-loamy clay. It is located to the northwest of the commune of Saint Émilion. The 17.6 hectares of vines are planted in a single block. They are planted on a plateau and a hillside, facing due west.

The advantage of the limestone plateau is its light soil, which rests on asteriated limestone rock rich in marine fossils. The clay-limestone hillside and the foot of the sandy-loam hillside harmoniously complete the estate.

Château Fonroque is planted with 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. All the Cabernet Franc is used for the first wine.

The wines of Château Fonroque

Château Fonroque Premier vin 2018

Château Fonroque has been a certified Biodynamic Grand Cru Classé since 2008. Château Fonroque's 2018 vintage is 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet France, produced from vines on the limestone plateau and clay-limestone slope, with an average age of 35 years.

The weather in 2018 was generally warm and rainy in spring, before becoming dry during the summer. It was the hottest season since 2003. Thanks to biodynamic viticulture, the vines were spared mildew, which was very present that year.

Château Fonroque 2018 has a deep, limpid color. The wine is complex, displaying the elegance of great Saint Emilion, with an enchanting airiness.

The nose is of great subtlety, imbued with the scents of undergrowth and flowering orchards. Very spicy, it is also mineral. The palate is remarkably powerful. Its energy carries through to a long, taut finish.

Château Cartier 2018 - Saint Émilion Grand Cru Second wine of Château Fonroque

Château Cartier is a Saint Émilion Grand Cru. It is the second wine of Château Fonroque, made entirely from Merlot. It is a very round wine, more supple than its elder brother. It has a lovely dark color.

The nose is refined. It opens with aromas of blackberries, followed by flavors of smoky spices and peppermint. The palate is soft, enriched by silky tannins. The finish is long and invigorating.