Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

Château Fonroque

Château Fonroque, the Saint-Emilion birthplace of the Moueix family, which has been owned by the Guillard family since July 2017.

The chateau was bought by Adèle and Jean Moueix in 1931. Alain Moueix, their great-grandson, inherited it from his father and has managed the property since 2001. From the outset, he introduced subsequently certified techniques where biological intelligence and observation are placed at the core of advances in the vineyard – biodynamics.

Alain Moueix is an agricultural engineer and winemaker. Creating harmonious vibes in his twenty hectares of bountiful soils remains an absolute priority. The more he studies biological phenomena and their pragmatic application, the greater his focus on the sustainability of the soils and enhancement of sense of place. His ultimate goal is to ensure vibrancy and balance in his wines using mindful methods. Sixteen years spent working with the Bordeaux wine trade and as many devoted to enthusiastic exploratory work have allowed the property and those who have first-hand experience of it to transition to organic farming, then biodynamics.

This patient, passionate venture implying a collective thought process made this charming property the very first ‘grand cru classé’ to be certified biodynamic. It produces stellar Saint-Émilion, whose international reach and recognition continue to grow. The arrival of the Guillard family and challenge to evolve and adapt currently set the tempo for life on the estate and its future. Biodynamic farming was a foregone conclusion for the Guillards, as was enlisting the expertise of Alain Moueix.

There is a depth in the wines that can be likened to the way vines put down roots, coupled with very feminine elegance. Women have never been far from wine and winegrowing here and over time have been a source of inspiration at landmark moments in the chateau’s history.

Excerpts from the website www.chateaufonroque.net

WINE FACT SHEET:

Château Fonroque

Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé

Vineyard certified organic since 2006 and biodynamic since 2008. A member of Biodyvin

Vineyard area: 17.6 ha.
Soils: limestone, clay-limestone and sandy-silt clay.
Varietal range: 80 % Merlot, 20% Cabernet franc.
Price: N/A

Consultant winemaker: Stéphane Toutoundji