Château de Fontenille
Brand Description
Located in the Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux, the Château de Fontenille has a long history dating back to the 13th century. A pilgrimage route protected by UNESCO runs through the vineyards to the neighboring Abbey de la Sauve Majeure, whose monks tended the vines for hundreds of years. Current owner Stéphane Defraine bought the estate in 1989, and through his technical experience, passion, and dedication, he has been producing wines of superb value for the category.
Location of Vineyard
Château de Fontenille is comprised of 121 acres (49 hectares) of vineyards; 42 acres (17 hectares) are planted with white varieties and 79 acres (32 hectares) with red. The average age of the vines is 17 years for the whites (Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Muscadelle and Sauvignon Gris) and 20 years for the reds (Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon). The soils are a mixture of clay, silica, and gravel.
Winemaking Philosophy
After harvest, the white varieties are macerated on the skins for 10 to 24 hours. The wine is fermented in tank at approximately 60 to 64°F (16 to 18°C) and aged on the fine lees to give extra body and complexity to the blend. The reds undergo a 72-hour skin maceration at 77°F (25°C). The wine then spends 18 months in a combination of 50% vat and 50% oak (1/3 of the oak barrels are renewed each year).
Winery Profile
Winemaker: Stephane Defraine
Total acreage under vine: 123
Founded: 1989
Production: 300000
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