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Château de Fontenille, Bordeaux Rouge, 2007
Producer
Vines have been grown at Fontenille since the 13th Century; a
pilgrimage route, protected by UNESCO, runs through the vineyards to
the neighbouring Abbaye de la Sauve Majeure, whose monks tended
the vines for hundreds of years. Stéphane Defraine bought the
property in 1989 and has gradually renovated the buildings and
replanted and extended the vineyards. He now owns 42 hectares, of
which 12 hectares are white wine varieties and 30 are red. The wines
represent excellent value, with considerably more weight, interest and
purity of fruit than other examples at this price.
Vineyards
The gravel/clay, free-draining soils of the Fontenille vineyards and the
high winds that keep the grapes healthy contribute to some of the
purest wines that Bordeaux can produce. The vineyards are situated at
an altitude of 110 meters above sea level in the EntreDeux-Mers region
between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers.
Vinification
The grapes were destemmed and crushed before undergoing
fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. The
varieties were vinified separately and blended after 18 months ageing
in 1/3 new French oak barrels.
Tasting Notes
Deep cherry red in colour with aromas of black fruits, dark plum,
blackcurrant and black cherry. On the palate it is soft and supple with
vibrant black fruit character, good balance, acidity and length.
| Vintage |
2007 |
| Grape varieties |
60% Merlot
25% Cabernet Franc
15% Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Region |
Entre-Deux-Mers |
| Winemaker |
Stephane Defraine |
| Closure |
Cork |
| Alcohol (ABV) |
13%% |
