Figeac

History of Château Figeac

The history of Château Figeac dates back to the Gallo-Roman era, in the 2nd century, when the Figeacus family founded the "villa Figeacus" on this exceptional terroir. This ancient origin makes Figeac one of the oldest estates in the Bordeaux region. However, the modern history of the estate began in 1892 with its acquisition by the ancestors of the Manoncourt family.

Thierry Manoncourt, who took over the estate in 1947, was a visionary and a pioneer in the art of viticulture. Trained as an agricultural engineer, he brought a scientific approach to vineyard management and was one of the first to introduce modern techniques such as temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. He developed a unique style for Château Figeac, marked by an atypical grape variety composition for Saint-Émilion, where Cabernet dominates over Merlot. This boldness and rigour have allowed Château Figeac to rise among the greatest Bordeaux wines, with the ultimate recognition of Premier Grand Cru Classé A in 2022, a long-awaited and well-deserved promotion.

Today, it is his daughter Laure and her husband, Count Éric d'Aramon, who continue this quest for excellence, supported by a talented team led by Frédéric Faye. Together, they perpetuate the family heritage whilst bringing innovations, both in the vineyard and in the infrastructure, with, for example, the recent construction of a semi-underground cellar, reflecting the estate's modernity.

The 2020 and 1949 vintages of Château Figeac have been awarded 100/100 by Robert Parker, in recognition of the remarkable quality of this emblematic Saint-Émilion wine.

Terroirs and Vines of Château Figeac

The vineyard of Château Figeac extends over 54 hectares, of which 40 are devoted to vine cultivation. Located on the "Graves de Saint-Émilion", the estate benefits from an exceptional terroir formed of three Günzian gravel ridges, a rare soil in this right bank region. This unique relief, composed of quartz, flint and blue clay, gives Figeac wines remarkable complexity and longevity.

The grape variety composition of Château Figeac is equally singular. Unlike the majority of Saint-Émilion estates, where Merlot predominates, Figeac favours Cabernets. The vineyard is planted with 35% Cabernet Franc, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. This bold choice, initiated by Thierry Manoncourt, is perfectly adapted to the estate's gravelly soil, thus offering wines of great freshness and elegance.

The vines, whose average age is 40 years, include century-old plants, testifying to the estate's commitment to preserving its genetic heritage. This commitment is also expressed through sustainable crop management, with particular attention paid to biodiversity. Nearly a quarter of the estate is kept without vines to maintain a rich natural ecosystem. Château Figeac distinguishes itself by its role as a "green lung" of Saint-Émilion, a commitment that has earned it HVE (High Environmental Value) certification and ISO 14001 standard.

Vinification at Château Figeac

Vinification at Château Figeac follows a plot-by-plot approach, which allows for respecting the identity of each terroir. The cellar, entirely modernised, integrates cutting-edge technologies for meticulous management of the different vinification stages. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted, then vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, an innovation introduced in the 1970s by Thierry Manoncourt.

Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels, and the wines are then aged for 14 to 18 months in French oak barrels, 100% of which are new. This meticulous process results in wines that are both powerful and elegant, with great ageing potential. Château Figeac wines do not fully reveal themselves until after 10 to 15 years in the cellar, reaching exceptional aromatic complexity.

The cuvées of Château Figeac

Château Figeac produces several cuvées, each representing a different expression of its unique terroir.

Château Figeac

The flagship cuvée, this wine is distinguished by its structure and finesse. Aromas of red fruits, graphite and flowers mingle with notes of liquorice and menthol. The texture on the palate is incredibly fine, with a vibrant energy that persists in the finish. This great wine, dominated by Cabernets, reveals itself over time, offering exceptional aromatic complexity and longevity.

Petit Figeac

The estate's second wine, Petit Figeac, comes from young vines and selected plots. This wine, more accessible in its youth, nevertheless retains the refinement and freshness that characterise the Figeac style. It presents fresh aromas of mint and liquorice, dominated by Cabernets, on a subtle and elegant framework. Perfect for earlier consumption, it is also ideal for enthusiasts looking for a lighter expression of the Figeac terroir.

The wines of Château Figeac, whether its grand vin or its second wine, are a reflection of ancestral expertise combined with constant innovation. The freshness brought by the gravelly soils and the Cabernets gives these wines a unique personality, well adapted to the challenges of global warming.

Saint-Émilion, a jewel of the Bordeaux wine region, has produced vintages of exceptional quality over the years, delighting connoisseurs of fine wines. Among the legendary vintages, one can cite 1947, 1959, and 1961, true icons that have marked the history of Bordeaux wines. The famous 1982 remains an undisputable reference. The following decades were equally impressive, with remarkable vintages such as 1990, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2005, all acclaimed for their richness and ageing potential. More recently, the 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020 vintages have shone through their balance and depth, reaffirming Saint-Émilion's reputation as one of Bordeaux's most sought-after appellations, where each new year continues to captivate fine wine enthusiasts with its consistent quality and elegance.

Discover the prestigious Premier Grand Cru Classé A wines of Saint-Émilion, true jewels of the Right Bank vineyards. Among them, Château Pavie, promoted in 2012, continues to shine with the exceptional quality of its wines. More recently, in 2022, Château Figeac joined this exclusive circle, confirming its place among the elite. Other estates, although no longer part of this classification since 2022, continue to inspire admiration from wine enthusiasts: Château Angélus, Château Ausone and Château Cheval Blanc, all synonymous with tradition and excellence.

Château Figeac is undoubtedly one of the three greatest wines of Saint-Émilion. Its rich history, exceptional terroir and atypical grape variety composition make it a wine of rare elegance and great complexity. The promotion to the rank of Premier Grand Cru Classé A in 2022 crowns decades of hard work and respect for tradition and the environment. Whether you are a wine enthusiast or a collector, Château Figeac and Petit Figeac are must-haves, combining modernity and heritage in every bottle.