CHÂTEAU FIGEAC: A Saint-Émilion Gem
26 June 2018
Not only is Château Figeac one of the most remarkable vineyards of Saint-Émilion, it is also one of the oldest. This true gem has been instrumental in earning Saint-Émilion its UNESCO World Heritage designation.
The genesis of the estate dates much further back than the first château built in 1586 by Raymond de Cazes. In fact, the existence of Figeac can be traced to the 2nd century AD. At the time, the owner, Figeacus, gave his name to the villa he built and the wine produced there was renowned as far away as Rome. In fact, Figeac is one of the few Saint-Émilion vineyards that has remained continually occupied for the past 2000 years!
Until the French Revolution, the vineyard exceeded 200 hectares of vines. Today, although the estate only stretches to fifty hectares, it remains one of the largest in Saint-Émilion. The château’s forty or so hectares of vines are located in the western portion of the appellation, near the border with Pomerol, on three gravel hillsides that give this Premier Grand Cru Classé B its distinct identity. Its vine stocks also make it unique. Composed of barely 30% Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc as the balance, they say it is Saint-Émilion’s most “Médoc-style” wine. Figeac wines are simultaneously rich, concentrated and they boast a rare elegance; the estate was the first to introduce a second wine, the “Petit Figeac”. These are great wines for aging (vins de garde), waiting a few years to discover their true magic.
An opportunity that should not be missed during Montréal Passion Vin 2018.
