Château Figeac Saint-Émilion Grand Cru (Premier Grand Cru Classé 2009 / 13.5% / 0.75 L)

Château Figeac is one of those estates in Saint-Émilion that has been charting its own course for centuries.The history of the estate dates back to a Roman villa (named after its owner, Figeacus), and its modern history was shaped by the Manoncourt family, who took over the estate in 1892 and continue to manage it to this day, investing in precision winemaking and new infrastructure (m.in.(a new underground chai, completed between 2018 and 2021).In 2022, Figeac was the only wine in this vintage to be promoted to the highest rank of “Premier Grand Cru Classé A” in the Saint-Émilion classification—a confirmation of its iconic status and the quality it has maintained decade after decade.

The landscape of Figeac is unique on the right bank of Bordeaux: three gravel ridges (Günzian), deep layers of flint and quartz over blue clays—a terroir more “Medoc-like” than typical of Saint-Émilion.This layout promotes the ripening of Cabernet grapes, ensures excellent drainage and heat reflection, and—combined with a mosaic of microclimates and plots—produces a wine with a rare balance of structure and finesse.For these reasons, the composition of the plantings has for years been unusual for an appellation: about.35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, and 30% Merlot.The estate itself covers 54 hectares in a single block, 41 hectares of which are vineyards; at the heart of the estate, a “green spine” featuring a pond and wooded areas has been preserved—a haven for biodiversity and a natural climate buffer.The second wine today is Petit-Figeac (formerly La Grange Neuve de Figeac).

For the sake of completeness, it’s worth mentioning an interesting fact: as a result of the 19th-century division of the former Figeac estates, several “Figeacs” sprang up in the vicinity (La Tour Figeac, La Tour du Pin Figeac, etc.).), but today’s Château Figeac is not associated with them—they are separate estates with different statuses.

Appearance: a deep ruby color with a garnet sheen and a subtle brick-red hue at the rim, already showing the first signs of aging.The wine sparkles with clarity and body, with slow, elegant tears running down the sides of the glass.

Aroma: initially black currant, blackberry, and ripe plum, followed by violet, rose, and hints of fresh black currant leaves.After a moment, notes of graphite, wet gravel, cedar, and cigar emerge, followed over time by truffles, tobacco, and sweet spices.A complex, deep bouquet that evolves in the glass.

Taste: strikes with its elegance and structure—the Cabernet core brings tension and freshness, while the Merlot adds a velvety texture.On the palate, there are notes of ripe black currant, plum, and blackberry, intertwined with minerality, a hint of graphite, and a subtle saltiness.The interplay of ripe fruit and silky tannins leads to a long, harmonious finish with earthy and truffle notes and a hint of spice.

Food pairings: the perfect accompaniment to roast lamb with rosemary, game (venison loin, roe deer), aged beef, or guinea fowl with lentils and truffles.It also pairs perfectly with slow-braised oxtail, porcini mushrooms sautéed in butter, or eggplant in miso paste.When it comes to cheese, try long-aged Comté, Cantal, or cloth-bound Cheddar.