Chateau Fonplegade Saint-Emilion Grand Cru AOC 2020

In 1852, renowned wine merchant Jean-Pierre Beylot acquired unique lands with an inexhaustible source, which, due to its strength, was named "Fonplegade" or "fountain of abundance". He also named the castle built nearby. Since these lands had been known for their wines since Roman times, it was a natural progression to plant vineyards. The wines produced here were already awarded a gold medal at the Paris World Exhibition in 1867. At that time, Chateau Fonplegade was already owned by the half-brother and sister of Napoleon III. The new owners — the Saint-Emilion family — played a significant role in the development of the chateau, but by the early 21st century, the estate fell into decline and was in a deplorable state. The new owners, Stephen and Denis Adams, who own Chateau L'Anclo in Pomerol and vineyards in California, completely renovated the winery, cellar, and updated the vineyard plantings. Their belief in the uniqueness of this land helped Chateau Fonplegade enter a new chapter in its history. The vineyards of Chateau Fonplegade are ideally located on the southern slopes of the Saint-Emilion region. This is one of the key aspects ensuring sunlight, and the sloping position contributes to good soil drainage. Since the grapes can only fully realize their potential in conditions of moderate humidity, the vines here produce excellent organoleptic characteristics even in years with high rainfall. In turn, deeply buried sources in the soil, which also fill the famous fountain on the estate, provide enough moisture to sustain the vines in dry years. On 18.5 hectares of land, flat and terraced vineyards are planted with Merlot and Cabernet Franc vines. More than 10 clones of Merlot are over a quarter-century old (including plantings from 1954), creating a unique colorful palette for the skilled winemakers of the chateau. Despite the fact that well-maintained old vines are a source of special pride for the estate and serve as a key element in creating complex wines with rich nuances, the winemakers actively renew the vineyards that require replanting to ensure the highest quality standards. Based on advanced winemaking practices, Chateau Fonplegade emphasizes selective methods of selection, high planting density (8500 vines per hectare), yield limitation, and careful care, involving at least 10 to 15 touches of human hands to the vine per season. The chateau has an organic ECOCERT certificate, and its wines are the result of harmonious relationships with nature. Each vintage opens a new page in the history of winemaking in the Saint-Emilion appellation, embodying the love of generations who have cultivated the land for centuries.