The estate
Situated to the south of the medieval town of Saint-Émilion, Château de Fonbel is a grand cru at the heart of a prestigious and generous terroir. From a carefully tended vineyard of around 16 hectares, this estate embodies accessible elegance, while recalling the exacting standards of Bordeaux’s finest terroirs. Fonbel reveals a refined, fruity expression, where each parcel contributes to the balance and finesse of the wine.
An exceptional family
Since 1971, Château de Fonbel has belonged to the Vauthier family, a major figure in Bordeaux winegrowing who is also at the helm of the legendary Château Ausone and Moulin-Saint-Georges. Under the watchful eye of Alain Vauthier and his children Constance and Édouard, Fonbel has become a place of experimentation and mastery, guided by the family’s passion and know-how.
A diverse terroir
The vines at Fonbel sink their roots into sandy-clay, gravelly and sometimes stony soils, which absorb the heat of the day while encouraging natural drainage. This diversity of soils, in the sunny plain of Saint-Émilion, gives the wine a vibrant freshness and remarkable aromatic complexity, the sign of subtle, measured viticulture.
Blend and style
The grape varieties are predominantly Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Carmenère – a rare variety in the region – which adds a spicy, bold touch to the blend. Harvesting is both manual and automated, depending on the plot, and each stage of vinification is designed to enhance the fruit and natural structure of the wine.
Wine expression
Château de Fonbel has an intense aromatic palette, with notes of juicy black fruit, fine spices and sometimes subtle hints of liquorice. The mouth charms with its freshness, balance and fine tannins, aptly reflecting the identity of the place and the attention paid to each parcel. Elegant and harmonious, Fonbel wines are accessible when young, but have great ageing potential.
