Château Fonréaud 2021

One of the most famous red wines of Listrac-Médoc in a brilliant vintage

The estate

A beautiful estate located in the Listrac-Médoc appellation, Château Fonréaud is one of the essential references of the Médoc. Owned by the Chanfreau family and classified as a Cru Bourgeois Supérieur, Château Fonréaud seduces wine-lovers with the signature style of its fruity and spicy wines, which evolve beautifully upon a very gourmet palate and promise a remarkable ageing potential. This property takes its name from a legend, according to which King Henry II stopped here once to quench his thirst. The term "Font-Réaux" means "Royal Fountain".

The vineyard

The Château Fonréaud vineyard extends over the high gravel terrace of the Médoc region. Located between the Gironde estuary and the Atlantic Ocean, the 32-hectare vineyard boasts a privileged location and benefits from a unique microclimate. The vines are planted on Pyrenean gravel soils upon a limestone base, which favours an excellent drainage and an ideal ripening of the grapes.

The vintage

The privileged location of Château Fonréaud’s vineyard, situated on the highest point of the Médoc, protected the vines from the devastating frost in April. However, the respite was short-lived due to a cool, wet start to the summer season, which favoured the development of mildew. It was not until August that the weather finally became more summery and thus, the vines caught up. The end of the season was superb, with a few showers in September and an exceptional month of October. Despite lower yields, the grapes were harvested at optimum maturity from the 1st to the 15th of October.

Vinification and ageing

The vinification process is carried out in half-buried cellars and in temperature-controlled vats (stainless steel truncated and inverted truncated cones and concrete vats). Optimal extraction of the fruit is favoured during alcoholic fermentation. The wine is aged in barrels (30% of which are new).

The blend

The majority of the blend is Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), combined with Merlot (40%) and 5% Petit Verdot.

Château Fonréaud 2021 offers a strikingly fruity expression

The tasting

The 2021 vintage of Château Fonréaud stands out due to its very fruity identity. Its elegant and fine style is expressed through a pure and well-balanced palate.