A well-balanced and fresh Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe
The estate
A Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe, Chateau La Tour Figeac was founded in 1879, when it was divided from Château Figeac to which it was once attached. Since 1994, the Otto Maximilian Rettenmaier family has been at the helm of the estate.
The vineyard
Chateau La Tour Figeac 2021 is a Saint-Emilion wine that stems from a vineyard with an exceptional location, on the edge of the Pomerol appellation. The 14.6 hectares of vines are located between Chateau Cheval Blanc and Chateau Figeac. The vines are 37 years old on average and are planted on a beautiful gravelly-sandy terroir and rest on deep clay. Since 1997, Chateau La Tour Figeac’s vineyard has been managed in a sustainable manner, notably with the implementation of organic and biodynamic practices. Herbal teas and natural remedies are used to take care of the plants all while respecting the entire ecosystem. The estate has enhanced its respect for the environment and the vineyard even further as cereals are now planted between each row in order to strengthen the soil and limit erosion.
The vintage
The beginning of spring was marked by a particularly long frost period (lasting 9 nights between March 20th and April 16th). Although the use of two mobile windmills protected the vineyard, the frost limited budbreak and therefore had an impact on yields. Although the heavy rainfall at the beginning of the summer favored a strong mildew pressure, conditions in August and September were dry and sunny. The harvest took place from September 28th to October 8th 2021 under optimal weather conditions.
Vinification and aging
The harvested grapes are sorted in a densimetric sorter and then destemmed. The whole grapes are transferred, without crushing, into small vats. The punching of the cap favors a gentle extraction and preserves the tannins’ elegance. Following the 4-week vatting period, the wines are run off in batches and then put into barrels for 15 months of aging, followed by pumping over into vats for blending.
The blend
Chateau La Tour Figeac 2021 comprises a blend of Merlot (60%) and Cabernet Franc (40%).