The estate

In the heart of Saint-Émilion, Château Fonroque is one of those estates whose history is intimately linked to that of the appellation. Vineyard cultivation has been documented there since at least the 17th century, and since then, the estate has continued to evolve while maintaining a deep connection to its identity and terroir.

Recognized as a Grand Cru Classé since the first Saint-Émilion classification in 1955, Château Fonroque was the first Grand Cru Classé to be certified organic in 2006 and biodynamic in 2008

Since 2017, the Guillard family has been leading a new phase in the estate’s development, driven by significant investments in the vineyards and infrastructure. The inauguration of a new fermentation tank in 2021 is part of this momentum, reflecting a commitment to using tools that are increasingly tailored to a precise and respectful approach to each harvest.

Today, Château Fonroque continues on its path with the same ambition: to produce wines true to their origins while conveying the history, values, and spirit of a place that holds a unique place in the Saint-Émilion landscape.

The Terroir

The great terroirs of Saint-Émilion were shaped by various geological eras influenced by the movements of the Dordogne River.

This rich history has left its mark on the Fonroque vineyard’s plots. Located a few hundred meters from the village of Saint-Émilion, Château Fonroque benefits from a beautiful mosaic of Saint-Émilion’s three main soil types: the limestone of the plateau, the clay-limestone of the hillside, and the sandy-silt loam at the base of the slope. This diversity allows each grape variety to find its ideal expression and contributes different nuances to the blend.

Limestone promotes freshness and vibrancy, clay adds density and structure, while the softer soils contribute to the wine’s generous fruitiness.

The Vineyard

The Fonroque vineyard spans 17.6 hectares in a single block surrounding the château. Since the estate’s transition to biodynamic farming, Cabernet Franc has regained a prominent place in Fonroque’s blends; nevertheless, Merlot remains the dominant variety in the estate’s vineyard.

Special care is taken with each grape variety, allowing it to reveal its unique character based on the terroir that nurtures it. The balance between limestone and clay-limestone soils results in wines that are generous, fresh, and harmonious.

The fermentation room

Inaugurated with the 2021 vintage, Château Fonroque ’s new winemaking facility is the result of several years of planning. Designed in collaboration with architect Jean-Philippe Nuel, it was conceived as a natural extension of the estate’s philosophy.

Beyond its technical function, the building was designed as a workspace consistent with Fonroque’s biodynamic approach. The flow of the spaces, natural light, the choice of minimally processed materials, and the attention paid to volumes all contribute to creating an environment that is both functional and serene.

The number of concrete tanks has increased from 17 to 28 to allow for more precise winemaking of the vineyard’s various plots. This change offers greater flexibility in monitoring fermentation and allows for a more nuanced adaptation of winemaking practices to the characteristics of each lot. This plot-by-plot approach enables more refined blends and preserves the diversity that makes the vineyard unique.