Château Fonroque 2017
Run by d’Alain Moueix
Technical Director Laurent Nougaro
Vintage weather conditions
The winter of 2016-2017 was very lacking in water, with rainfall 30% below usual levels. The first half of the season was cold, after which winter offered up some very mild temperatures. Budding was early and this mildness lasted through into early spring, which activated growth. On the nights of 28 and 28 April the temperature fell to -6°C in some areas, creating significant frost. After these nights, which caused issues for many of the region’s wine estates, warm and dry conditions set in until the end of the spring. This caused water stress in the vineyards. From 25 June onwards, significant rainfall marked a change in the weather. The summer was dry and rather cool. Veraison was early and rapid. Welcome rain in early September allows the skins to fully ripen.
Harvest area*
16,45 hectares
Harvest terroir*
Limestone plateau and limestone-clay hillside
Grapes harvested*
93% Merlot – 7% Cabernet Franc
Harvest dates
18 to 23 September
Winemaking
Cultivation methods
Estate certified organic since 2006 and biodynamic since 2008 – member of Biodyvin.
Maturation
30% new barrels and that have contained at least one previous wine
Yield
35 hectolitres / ha
Production
36.000 bottles
* For this Vintage.
Tasting notes
A beautiful purple colour and a deep nose. At this stage, the wine offers up blackberry, black cherry and gingerbread aromas. Ample and harmonious on the palate, classic in style. The initially silky texture becomes more velvety when swirled. Black fruit shines through, paired with violet and verbena. The lingering finish underscores the wine’s mineral character.
This wine has huge potential and will assert its personality as it ages.
Utterly astonishing density and length for the vintage.