VINTAGES
Château Fonroque 2011
Weather Conditions During the Growing Season
After a mild, dry winter, budbreak occurred early (two weeks ahead of schedule). Summer quickly replaced spring. Overall temperatures were above seasonal averages, and the weather was dry. Flowering began just as early as budbreak and proceeded very smoothly. On June 26 and 27, temperatures exceeded 40°C, causing sunscald on some grapes.
July and August were gloomy, but the vines maintained their growth lead. The early harvest benefited from a particularly favorable September.
Total vineyard area
17.59 hectares
Region of Harvest
Limestone plateau and clay-limestone slope
Grape Varieties Harvested
85% Merlot – 15% Cabernet Franc
Harvest Dates
September 6–24
Wine Production
A few words about the winemaking process for this vintage.
Cultivation Method
Organic wine, EU Organic Farming, nFR-BIO-07nBiodynamic wine, certified by ECOCERT France SAS
Livestock Farming
30% new oak barrels and 70% barrels that have held at least one previous vintage
Tasting
The nose is complex and airy. It blends notes of fresh fruit (red currant, raspberry) and flowers (violet), as well as tobacco and humus. The attack is supple and smooth, and the wine then develops its crystalline character with beautiful energy. Classically styled, it is both refined and crisp, with its characteristic silky texture and great elegance. The finish is long and dynamic for this vintage, featuring salty notes and aromas of gingerbread. Its prominent minerality is a hallmark of its Saint-Émilion origins.
Comment
Comments updated by Alain Moueix – 2017
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