Château Figeac

History of Château Figeac

The history of Château Figeac is an epic spanning nearly two millennia, beginning in the 2nd century with the Figeacus family, whose name was given to the Gallo-Roman villa located on the estate's current site. As early as the 15th century, the de Cazes family laid the foundations of modern viticulture, followed by the Carle family in the 17th century, who developed exports of Figeac wines to Paris and Northern Europe. Despite economic setbacks in the 19th century, which fragmented the original 200-hectare estate, Château Figeac regained its lustre in 1892 thanks to its acquisition by the Manoncourt family.

Under the impetus of Thierry Manoncourt, a visionary agronomist engineer, the estate underwent a renaissance from 1947 onwards. A pioneer in the use of temperature-controlled stainless steel vats as early as 1971 and in the creation of a second wine as early as 1945, he shaped the "Figeac style", characterised by an atypical grape variety composition dominated by Cabernets. First Jurat of Saint-Émilion for 23 years, he contributed to the worldwide renown of Bordeaux wines through the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux. Since his passing in 2010, his wife Marie-France Manoncourt, his daughters Hortense Idoine Manoncourt and Blandine de Brier Manoncourt, as well as General Manager Frédéric Faye, have perpetuated this legacy with undiminished passion. In 2022, Château Figeac's elevation to the rank of Premier Grand Cru Classé A consecrated its excellence and influence in the Bordeaux region.

Terroirs and Vines of Château Figeac

The terroir of Château Figeac is a true geological exception within the Saint-Émilion appellation. Located in the Graves de Saint-Émilion zone, on the border with Pomerol, the estate extends over 54 contiguous hectares, of which 41 hectares are under vine. Three ridges of Günzian gravel, composed of quartz, flint and blue clays, form a unique relief culminating at 38 metres. This gravelly-sandy soil, combined with a high proportion of Cabernets (35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot), gives the wines an incomparable freshness, structure and elegance, often compared to the great crus of the Médoc.

The vines, with an average age of 35 years, include historic plots, such as Merlots planted in 1921, among the oldest in production. Each of the 275,000 vines is treated with individual attention, reflecting the estate's philosophy of sustainable viticulture. A 0.65-hectare plot dedicated to mass selection preserves the genetic heritage of the grape varieties, guaranteeing the perpetuation of the Figeac style. Soil management, partly ploughed by horse, and the estate's environmental commitment, with 12 hectares of natural spaces (meadows, a pond, an arboretum, hedgerows and rose bushes), make Château Figeac a model of biodiversity. Certified ISO 14001 since 2015 and labelled HVE level 3, the estate has also been classified as a Wildlife Reserve since 2013, reinforcing its role as a "green lung" of Saint-Émilion.

Vinification at Château Figeac

Winemaking at Château Figeac combines tradition and innovation to bring out the finest expression of its unique terroir. The harvest, exclusively manual, allows for rigorous selection of the grapes. Since 2021, the estate has benefited from an ultra-modern 5,000 m² winery, designed for plot-by-plot and intra-plot vinification. This new facility, semi-underground and gravity-fed, incorporates 40 truncated-cone stainless steel vats and 8 bespoke French oak vats, offering unrivalled precision. A vat room dedicated to research and development reflects the scientific spirit that drives the estate, in collaboration with institutions such as INRA and the University of Dijon.

Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel and wooden vats, followed by malolactic fermentation in barrels. The ageing process, carried out 100% in new French oak barrels for 15 to 18 months, refines the structure and complexity of the wines. Under the technical direction of Romain Jean-Pierre and with the guidance of oenologist Michel Rolland, each vintage is a collective endeavour, validated by the Manoncourt family to ensure faithfulness to the "Figeac style": a combination of freshness, finesse and power, with an exceptional ageing capacity.

The Cuvées of Château Figeac

Château Figeac produces several cuvées, each representing a different expression of its unique terroir.

Château Figeac - The Fine Wine

Château Figeac, the estate's iconic wine, is produced at approximately 120,000 bottles per year. Made from a variable blend but often dominated by Cabernets (approximately 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot), this Premier Grand Cru Classé A stands out for its deep purple colour, its complex nose blending peony, infused fruits and graphite, and a silky, vibrant palate with mineral notes on the finish. Its structure, driven by the Cabernets, gives it a remarkable longevity, often exceeding 40 years. Recent vintages, such as Château Figeac 2019 (98.38/100, Global Wine Score) or Château Figeac 2022 (97-100/100), are hailed as world references, combining accessibility in their youth with ageing potential.

Petit Figeac - The Second Wine

The second wine, Petit Figeac, formerly La Grange Neuve de Figeac until 2011, is produced at approximately 40,000 bottles per year. Sourced from the same plots as the fine wine, it benefits from the same exacting standards of vinification and ageing, offering an ideal introduction to the Figeac style. This elegant and structured wine captivates with its freshness and fruity aromas, with a silky texture that reflects the estate's identity. Vintages such as Petit Figeac 2018 or Petit Figeac 2020 are particularly appreciated for their balance and accessibility.

The Best Vintages of Château Ausone According to Robert Parker

The 2020 and 1949 vintages of Château Figeac were awarded 100/100 by Robert Parker, a recognition of the remarkable quality of this iconic Saint-Émilion cru.

The Great Vintages of Saint-Émilion

Saint-Émilion, a jewel of the Bordeaux wine region, has produced over the years vintages of exceptional quality, delighting lovers of great wines. Among the legendary vintages, one can cite 1947, 1959, and 1961, true icons that have marked the history of Bordeaux wines. The famous 1982 remains an undisputed benchmark. The following decades were equally remarkable, with outstanding vintages such as 1990, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2005, all acclaimed for their richness and ageing potential. More recently, the vintages 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020 have shone for their balance and depth, reaffirming Saint-Émilion's reputation as one of Bordeaux's most sought-after appellations, where each new year continues to captivate wine enthusiasts with its consistent quality and elegance.

Other Essential Châteaux of Saint-Émilion

Discover the prestigious Premiers Grands Crus Classés A of Saint-Émilion, true jewels of the Right Bank vineyard. Among them, Château Pavie, promoted in 2012, continues to shine through the exceptional quality of its wines. More recently, in 2022, Château Figeac joined this exclusive circle, confirming its place among the elite. Other estates, although no longer part of this classification since 2022, continue to inspire admiration among enthusiasts: Château Angélus, Château Ausone and Château Cheval Blanc, all synonymous with tradition and excellence.

Château Figeac is a symbol of elegance, history and innovation at the heart of Saint-Émilion. With its unique terroir, its environmental commitment and its exceptional wines such as Château Figeac and Petit Figeac, the estate embodies the quintessence of the Premier Grand Cru Classé A. Whether you are a collector in search of prestigious vintages such as Château Figeac 2015, 2019 or 2020, or an enthusiast wishing to discover the elegance of Saint-Émilion wine, Château Figeac offers an unrivalled sensory and cultural experience. Explore our selection of Château Figeac wines and let yourself be seduced by the legacy of a family devoted to excellence for over 130 years.