THE VINTAGES
Château Fonroque 2011
Weather Conditions During the Growing Season
Following a mild and dry winter, budburst was early (two weeks ahead of schedule). Summer quickly took the place of spring. Overall recorded temperatures were above seasonal averages, and the weather was dry. Flowering began with the same earliness as growth and proceeded very well. On June 26th and 27th, temperatures exceeded 40°C, causing sunburn on some grapes.
July and August were gloomy, but the vine cycle maintained its growth lead. The early harvest benefited from a particularly favorable month of September.
Total vineyard area
17.59 hectares
Harvest terroir
Limestone plateau and clay-limestone slopes
Grape varieties
85% Merlot – 15% Cabernet Franc
Harvest dates
September 6 to 24
Winemaking
A brief overview of the winemaking process for this vintage.
Farming methods
Organic wine, EU Agriculture, FR-BIO-07. Biodynamic wine, controlled by ECOCERT France SAS
Maturation
30% new oak barrels and 70% in barrels of one wine and older
Tasting
The nose is complex and airy. It blends notes of fresh fruit (redcurrant, raspberry), flowers (violet), as well as tobacco and humus. The attack is supple and smooth, then the wine develops its crystalline dimension with lovely energy. Approachable and classic, it is both refined and crisp, featuring its usual silky texture and great elegance. The finish is long and vibrant for the vintage, with saline notes and gingerbread aromas. Its mineral dominance bears the hallmark of its Saint-Émilion origin.
Commentary
Commentary updated by Alain Moueix – 2017
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