Château La Tour Figeac 2020

A delicate and aromatic Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Émilion

The estate

A Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé, Château La Tour Figeac was founded in 1879, at the time of its separation from Château Figeac to which it was attached. Since 1994, the Otto Maximilian Rettenmaier family has been at the head of the estate.

The vineyard

The vineyard of Château La Tour Figeac benefits from an exceptional location in Saint-Émilion, on the edge of the Pomerol appellation. The 14.6 hectares of vineyard are situated between Château Cheval Blanc and Château Figeac. The vines, averaging 37 years of age, are planted on a superb gravelly-sandy terroir resting on deep clay. Since 1997, the vineyard of Château La Tour Figeac has been managed ecologically with the implementation of organic and biodynamic practices. Herbal teas and natural preparations are employed to care for the vine with consideration for the entire ecosystem. The estate has gone even further in respecting the environment and the vineyard by now planting cereals between the vine rows to strengthen the soil and limit erosion.

The vintage

A very rainy autumn was followed by a particularly mild winter, promoting early bud break. April and May were marked by two frost episodes that did not cause major damage to the estate’s vineyard. The summer was dry and exceptionally hot. Rain and storms in August limited water stress and allowed ripening to refine until the harvest, which took place under summer-like conditions. Although this vintage was marked by strong downy mildew pressure, the care given to the vine by the château’s teams limited its impact.

Winemaking and aging

The harvested grapes are sorted and then destemmed. Whole berries are transferred, without crushing, into small vats. Punch-downs promote gentle extraction and preserve the elegance of the tannins. After a maceration of about four weeks, the wines are moved by batch into barrels for 15 months of aging, followed by a return to tank before blending.

Blend

Château La Tour Figeac 2020 is made from a blend of Merlot (65%) and Cabernet Franc (35%).