Chateau Fonroque Grand Cru Classe

Château Fonroque sits on the clay-limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion's Right Bank, where Merlot thrives in cool, well-drained soils at modest elevation. The vineyard's north-facing aspect moderates ripeness, preserving acidity through the growing season.

The blend—predominantly Merlot with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon—ferments in temperature-controlled vats before aging 18 months in French oak (proportion of new wood varies by vintage). This régime builds structure without overwhelming the site's mineral spine.

Fonroque's classification as Grand Cru Classé reflects consistent quality across vintages. The wine balances the plump dark-fruit character typical of Right Bank Merlot with the herbal, graphite-edged tension of Cabernet Franc—a signature of limestone-rooted Saint-Émilion.

Drink from release through 12–15 years, depending on vintage ripeness.