Clos Fourtet 2022

The vivacity and refinement of a Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé

The estate

The uniqueness of Clos Fourtet, Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé, is that it qualifies as a closed vineyard. In a constant quest for excellence, Clos Fourtet and the Cuvelier family practise sustainable agriculture that respects the balance of nature.

The vineyard

A benchmark among the great wines of Saint-Émilion, Clos Fourtet 2022 comes from a 22-hectare vineyard. With an average age of 35 years, the vines are planted on clay-limestone soils typical of Saint-Émilion.

The wine

Following approval from the INAO, this 2022 vintage marks the merger of two historically linked properties belonging to the Cuvelier family, Clos Fourtet and Château Les Grandes Murailles, under the single name of Clos Fourtet.

Heir to the "Camp Fortet," which provided military protection for the main entrance to the town during the Hundred Years' War, Clos Fourtet backs onto the emblematic façade of the "Grandes Murailles," the only remaining visible echo of the former Dominican convent. Since acquiring Château Les Grandes Murailles in 2013, the Cuvelier family has been investing heavily in the plots of its two estates, to ensure the implementation of sustainable, precision viticulture, giving rise to wines of seductive balance and finesse.

The vintage

The cool, damp weather at the start of the year preceded a mild, dry climate that advanced early budburst. The spring was particularly hot, with May one of the hottest and driest months in twenty years. Despite these extreme conditions, the vines adapted with rare resilience. Mid-flowering came early. Three heatwaves slowed vegetative growth in favour of grape ripening. The hydric stress caused by the very low rainfall had a moderate impact thanks to the chalky soils. The harvest took place between 9 and 27 September.

Winemaking and ageing

Fermentation of whole grapes. Reception of the harvest in 25 small, temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Extraction by natural punching of the cap. Vatting for 21 to 28 days. Malolactic fermentation in vats, jars and barrels. The wine was aged for 14 to 18 months in the estate's underground cellar, in French oak barrels (40% new, 58% one wine) and jars (2%).

Blend

Merlot (90%)
Cabernet Sauvignon (7%)
Cabernet Franc (3%).

Characteristics and tasting tips for Château Clos Fourtet 2022

Tasting

Colour
The colour is garnet with purple highlights.

Nose
The nose is complex, releasing the aromatic intensity of grapes harvested at optimal ripeness.

Palate
Ample and elegant on the palate, with a delicious freshness, dense tannins and a creamy feel.