Tour and tasting at Château Clos Fourtet, Appellation Saint-Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé B - Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Pictures: Tour and tasting at Château Clos Fourtet, Appellation Saint-Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé B - Bordeaux Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours, France

The history of Château Clos Fourtet goes back as far as the Middle Ages, some even say to Roman times. A defensive settlement was built to protect the town of Saint-Emilion and at the site of Clos Fourtet a military camp was constructed. From the 17th to the 19th century what is now Clos Fourtet was known as Campfourtet. The first vines were planted in the 17th century. The estate changed hands several times.

Picture: Panos Kakaviatos, Chef Jörg Döpfner, Harry H. Hochheimer, Matthieu Cuvelier of Château Clos Fourtet, Annette Schiller and Didier Cuvelier of Château Leoville Poyferre in Frankfurt, Germany, a few Years ago

In 2001 it was purchased by Philippe Cuvelier, a wealthy businessman from Paris. Today his son Matthieu Cuvelier is running the estate. He hired Stéphane Derenoncourt as oenological consultant. Stéphane Drenoncourt is also consultant at Boxwood winery in Middleburg, Virginia. Château Clos Fourtet is located at the entrance of Saint-Emilion and the vineyards are just outside of town starting on the limestone plateau, on which Saint-Emilion sits, and slope down to the plains of clay to the west. The 20 hectares of vineyards are planted with 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet-Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet-Franc.

Pictures: Arriving

A Jewel of Saint-Emilion

For centuries, the ancient ‘Camp Fortet’ (small fort) with its modest profile has overlooked the historic town of Saint-Émilion, peacefully surveying it in times of prosperity, protecting it in times of war. The 20-hectare vineyard forms a single plot, planted upon the highest slopes of Western Saint-Émilion. Constructed from the very rock upon which it stands, the chateau and its surrounding wall (hence ‘clos’) are intimate and unassuming. Ever since the beginning of the classification in 1956, Clos Fourtet has been a member of the elite ‘Premiers Grands Crus Classés’ of Saint-Émilion.

The Expression of Great Terroir

The vineyard is situated upon the summit of Saint-Émilion, where limestone soils offer superb drainage. This predominance of limestone brings inimitable freshness to the wines, with minerality and delicate tannins. The result is wines with a strong identity that is dear to passionate enthusiasts who talk of a ‘Clos Fourtet style’. We work gently, at one with the nature that surrounds us, to support and nurture our soils.

Pictures: In the Vineyard

Unique, Natural Caves

A cavernous 13-hectare underground cave network weaves far and wide beneath the vineyards of Clos Fourtet, with a mysterious, elusive history of its own. Dark and sombre, still and untarnished, the vastness of this limestone enclave is hidden 6 to 12 metres below the earth. A natural cellar, it is as functional as it is aesthetic. This sanctuary breathes pure air, which circulates to create an exceptional natural climate for the 250 barrels and 100,000 bottles that rest beneath the earth.

Pictures: In the Caves

The Wines of Clos Fourtet

The wines of Clos Fourtet, Premier Grand Cru Classé, embody the finest of Saint-Émilion. Smooth, intriguing and seductive, their pure natural aromas are delicately woven together in a charming display of the unparalleled potential of our terroir.

Pictures: In the Cellar

Tasting the 2015 Clos Fourtet

wine-searcher average price in US$: 125

Parker : 94+ / 100
R. Gabriel : 18 / 20

Wine Advocate-Parker : Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Clos Fourtet has lifted menthol notes on the nose over a core of chocolate-covered cherries, dried mulberries, baked plums and potpourri plus a touch of cloves. Medium-bodied and very firm with lovely ripe, fine-grained tannins and plenty of freshness, it finishes long and perfumed.

Pictures: Tasting

Bye-bye

Picture: Bye-bye

Evening

The evening was free to enjoy Saint-Emilion. There are many wine shops, restaurants, wine bars, and a wonderful “maison du vin” to visit.