The Clos Fourtet vineyard, classified as Prémier Grand Cru Classé B, is located directly on the western outskirts of Saint-Émillion. It has belonged to the Cuvelier family since 2001, who completely renovated the building, which had been uninhabited for a long time, and modernised the technical facilities. in 2013, they also acquired the vineyards of Château les Grandes Murailles and merged the two estates. Son Matthieu runs the business and is advised by top experts Stéphane Derenoncourt and Jean-Claude Berrouet.
The main part of the 19 hectares of vines is located directly on the famous limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion and tends to face north. It is surrounded by a wall and is therefore called "Clos". The sloping topography ensures optimum drainage. In dry periods, the limestone soil stores sufficient water to sustainably supply the plants. The soil composition "gives the wines an inimitable freshness, minerality and fine tannins."
Typical of the appellation, Merlot (85 %) is the main grape variety grown. Smaller proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon (10 %) and Cabernet Franc (5 %) provide aromatic complexity. Organic and biodynamic methods are used in the vineyard. Green harvesting and strict selection are a matter of course. The endeavour to achieve the highest quality is evident everywhere. The production volume is limited to 40 hectolitres per hectare, while the planting density has been increased from 6,000 to 9,000 vines per hectare. The vines are on average 35 years old.
Harvesting is of course done by hand. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks. Under the fermentation cellar there is a huge cave system that houses the 250 or so barrels used for ageing. The proportion of new wood is adjusted for each vintage.
photos: Clos Fourtet
