Clos Fourtet Premier Grand Cru Classe B, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux
Clos Fourtet Premier Grand Cru Classe B, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux
A brief history of Clos Fourtet Premier Grand Cru Classe B, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux
Clos Fourtet, a leading light in the prestigious Saint-Émilion appellation of Bordeaux, France, boasts a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages. Originally a fortified camp designed to protect the town of Saint-Émilion, its transition to a vineyard in the early 18th century marked the beginning of its journey to vinicultural acclaim. Acquired by the Cuvelier family in 2001, a family with deep roots in the Bordeaux wine trade since the early 20th century, Clos Fourtet has undergone a remarkable transformation, implementing organic viticultural practices and a deep respect for the land. Recognised as a Premier Grand Cru Classé estate in the Saint-Émilion classification, its commitment to quality and excellence is evident in the acclaim its wines receive. The house cultivates eighteen-and-a-half hectares of vineyard planted mostly to Merlot alongside smaller quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc on clay-limestone soils.
Clos Fourtet Premier Grand Cru Classe B, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux overview
Nestled just outside the medieval town, Clos Fourtet benefits from an exceptional terroir that imparts the wines with a distinct minerality and elegance, setting them apart in the crowded field of Bordeaux wines. Under the stewardship of the Cuvelier family and with Matthieu Cuvelier at the helm, the estate has focused on precision viticulture, employing sustainable practices to ensure the health of the vineyard and the surrounding ecosystem. The wines of Clos Fourtet are celebrated for their depth, complexity, and capacity to age gracefully. The eponymous Merlot-dominant Grand Vin is admired for its elegant ripe berry fruit. This award-winning wine routinely receives high praise from critics and connoisseurs alike.
Performance
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Understanding Clos Fourtet Premier Grand Cru Classe B, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux
The winemaking process at Clos Fourtet is marked by a judicious blend of tradition and innovation, with a focus on expressing the unique characteristics of its terroir. Grapes are meticulously sorted and vinified in small batches to ensure optimal expression of each parcel. Ageing takes place for 15 to 18 months in a combination of new and used French oak barrels, carefully selected to harmonise with the wine's profile. The wine is bottled unfiltered to further enhance terroir expression. Clos Fourtet displays a rich bouquet of dark fruit, subtle spice and floral notes in a rich and full-bodied palate with velvety tannins and a lingering finish. This wine has excellent ageing potential.