Château Fonréaud 2016

A lively and delicate Listrac red wine

The estate

Château Fonréaud is located in the Listrac-Médoc appellation, and is one of the Médoc's finest wines. Owned by the Chanfreau family and classified as a Cru Bourgeois Supérieur, Château Fonréaud appeals to wine-lovers with its fruity, spicy wines that are full-bodied and delicious on the palate, with great potential for ageing. The estate takes its name from the legend that King Henry II of France stopped here to quench his thirst. The term "Font-Réaux" means "Royal Fountain."

The vineyard

The vineyards of this unmissable Listrac estate stretch across the high gravel terraces of the Médoc. Situated between the Gironde estuary and the Atlantic Ocean, the 32-hectare vineyard occupies a privileged position and benefits from a unique microclimate. The vines are planted on Pyrenean gravel soils on a limestone bedrock, favouring excellent drainage and good ripening of the grapes.

The vintage

A mild winter preceded a favourable spring. June gave way to a hot, dry summer. However, the clay-limestone soils helped to avoid water stress. As the harvest approached, the temperature differences between the autumn days and nights helped to refine the ripeness of the grapes while maintaining optimum freshness.

Winemaking and ageing

The grapes are lightly crushed before being destemmed and fermented for 20 to 25 days in temperature-controlled vats. Aged for 12 months in oak barrels (a third of which new).

Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (53%)
Merlot (43%)
Petit Verdot (4%)

Characteristics and tasting tips Château Fonréaud 2016

Tasting

With soft tannins and a fine structure, this wine is round and lively.

To serve

For the best tasting, this wine should be served at a temperature between 16 and 18°C inclusive.