Château Figeac

The History of Château Figeac

The history of Château Figeac is a saga spanning nearly two millennia. It begins in the second century with the Figeacus family, whose name was given to the Gallo-Roman villa on the site of today’s estate. In the 15th century, the de Cazes family laid the foundations for modern viticulture. They were followed in the 17th century by the Carle family, who developed exports of Figeac wines to Paris and Northern Europe. Despite economic setbacks in the 19th century that fragmented the original 200-hectare estate, Château Figeac regained its luster in 1892 when the Manoncourt family acquired it.

Under the leadership of Thierry Manoncourt, a visionary agricultural engineer, the estate began a renaissance in 1947. A pioneer in the use of temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks as early as 1971 and in the creation of a second wine as early as 1945, he shaped the “Figeac style,” defined by an unusual blend dominated by Cabernet grapes. As First Jurat of Saint-Émilion for 23 years, he helped raise the global profile of Bordeaux wines through the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux. Since his death in 2010, his wife Marie-France Manoncourt, his daughters Hortense Idoine Manoncourt and Blandine de Brier Manoncourt, and managing director Frédéric Faye have carried on this legacy with undiminished passion. In 2022, Château Figeac’s elevation to Premier Grand Cru Classé A crowned its excellence and influence in the Bordeaux region.

Château Figeac’s Terroir and Vines

Château Figeac’s terroir is a true geological exception within the Saint-Émilion appellation. Located in the Graves area of Saint-Émilion, on the border with Pomerol, the estate covers 54 contiguous hectares, including 41 hectares of vines. Three rises of Günzian gravel, composed of quartz, flint and blue clay, create a distinctive landscape reaching 38 meters at its highest point. This gravelly, sandy soil, combined with a high proportion of Cabernet grapes (35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc and 30% Merlot), gives the wines exceptional freshness, structure and elegance, often compared with the great growths of the Médoc.

The vines, averaging 35 years of age, include historic plots such as Merlot vines planted in 1921, among the oldest still in production. Each of the 275,000 vines receives individual attention, reflecting the estate’s philosophy of responsible viticulture. A 0.65-hectare plot dedicated to massal selection preserves the grape varieties’ genetic heritage, ensuring the continuity of the Figeac style. Soil management, including partial plowing by horse, and an environmental commitment encompassing 12 hectares of natural spaces (meadows, a pond, an arboretum, hedgerows and rose bushes) make Château Figeac a model of biodiversity. ISO 14001-certified since 2015 and awarded level 3 HVE certification, the estate has also been designated a wildlife reserve since 2013, reinforcing its role as Saint-Émilion’s “green lung.”

Winemaking at Château Figeac

Winemaking at Château Figeac combines tradition and innovation to bring out the best in its unique terroir. Harvesting is done entirely by hand, allowing for rigorous grape selection. Since 2021, the estate has had a state-of-the-art 5,000 m² winery designed for vinification by plot and by sections within each plot. This new, partially underground, gravity-fed facility houses 40 tapered stainless steel tanks and eight custom-made French oak tanks, offering unparalleled precision. A vat room dedicated to research and development reflects the estate’s scientific spirit and its collaboration with institutions such as INRA and the University of Dijon.

Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel and wooden tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation in barrels. Aging in 100% new French oak barrels for 15 to 18 months refines the wines’ structure and complexity. Under the technical direction of Romain Jean-Pierre and with advice from winemaker Michel Rolland, each vintage is a collective achievement, approved by the Manoncourt family to ensure it remains true to the “Figeac style”: a combination of freshness, finesse and power, with exceptional aging potential.

Château Figeac’s Wines

Château Figeac produces several wines, each expressing its unique terroir in a different way.

Château Figeac - The Fine Wine

Château Figeac, the estate’s flagship wine, is produced at around 120,000 bottles a year. Made from a blend that varies but is often dominated by Cabernet grapes (approximately 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc and 30% Merlot), this Premier Grand Cru Classé A stands out for its deep purple color, complex aromas of peony, steeped fruit and graphite, and a satin-smooth, vibrant palate with mineral notes on the finish. Its Cabernet-driven structure gives it remarkable longevity, often exceeding 40 years. Recent vintages, such as Château Figeac 2019 (98.38/100, Global Wine Score) and Château Figeac 2022 (97–100/100), have been hailed as world-class benchmarks, combining approachability in their youth with aging potential.

Petit Figeac - The Second Wine

The second wine, Petit Figeac, known as La Grange Neuve de Figeac until 2011, is produced at around 40,000 bottles a year. Made from the same plots as the fine wine, it is held to the same standards of winemaking and aging, offering an ideal introduction to the Figeac style. Elegant and structured, this wine delights with its freshness, fruity aromas and silky texture, reflecting the estate’s identity. Vintages such as Petit Figeac 2018 and Petit Figeac 2020 are particularly appreciated for their balance and approachability.

Château Ausone’s Best Vintages According to Robert Parker

The 2020 and 1949 vintages of Château Figeac received scores of 100/100 from Robert Parker, recognition of the remarkable quality of this iconic Saint-Émilion wine.

Saint-Émilion’s Great Vintages

Saint-Émilion, a jewel of the Bordeaux wine region, has produced vintages of exceptional quality over the years, to the delight of fine-wine lovers. Legendary vintages include 1947, 1959 and 1961, true icons that have left their mark on Bordeaux wine history. The celebrated 1982 vintage also remains an undisputed benchmark. The following decades were no less impressive, with outstanding vintages such as 1990, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2005, all acclaimed for their richness and aging potential. More recently, the 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2020 vintages have shone for their balance and depth, reaffirming Saint-Émilion’s reputation as one of Bordeaux’s most sought-after appellations, where each new vintage continues to win over lovers of great wines with its consistent quality and elegance.

Other Must-Know Saint-Émilion Châteaux

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

Château Figeac is a symbol of elegance, history and innovation in the heart of Saint-Émilion. With its unique terroir, environmental commitment and exceptional wines such as Château Figeac and Petit Figeac, the estate embodies the essence of a Premier Grand Cru Classé A. Whether you are a collector seeking prestigious vintages such as Château Figeac 2015, 2019 or 2020, or a wine lover eager to discover the elegance of Saint-Émilion wine, Château Figeac offers an unparalleled sensory and cultural experience. Explore our selection of Château Figeac wines and discover the legacy of a family devoted to excellence for more than 130 years.