Clos Fourtet

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Clos Fourtet, previously Château Clos Fourtet and archaichally Camfourtet, is a Bordeaux wine from the appellation Saint-Émilion, ranked Premier grand cru classé B in the Classification of Saint-Émilion wine. The winery is located in the Right Bank of France’s Bordeaux wine region in the commune of Saint-Émilion, in the department Gironde.

The estate also produces the second wine Closerie de Fourtet.

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[edit] History

Erected during the Middle Ages as a defensive fort, the property is situated opposite the main entrance to the old town of Saint-Émilion.[1] Viticulture at what was then called Camfourtet (Camp Fourtet) began with the efforts of Léon Rulleau in the mid-18th century, who passed on the estate to his nephew Elie Rulleau who had the present château built.[2][1] Records show that in 1789 the property was valued at 100,000 livres.[1] The estate's name was altered to Clos Fourtet by the Rulleau family in 1868.[2]

Fernand Ginestet acquired the estate in 1919, in the same year that he purchased the Pomerol estate Château Petit-Village. In 1949 it was then sold by his son Pierre Ginestet in order to finance control of Château Margaux, and purchased by François Lurton.[2][1]

The Lurton family sold Clos Fourtet in 2001, reportedly for the sum of USD 66.8 million.[3][4] To date the estate is owned by Philippe Cuvelier with the oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt as consultant.[2]

[edit] Production

The vineyard area extends 19 hectares with the grape varieties of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Of the Grand vin Clos Fourtet there is an annual production of 5,000 cases and of the second wine Closerie de Fourtet there is typically produced 2,500 cases.[2]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d Peppercorn, David (2003). Bordeaux. London: Mitchell Beazley, p.413-415. ISBN 1-84000-927-6. 
  2. ^ a b c d e Kissack, Chris, thewinedoctor.com. Clos Fourtet.
  3. ^ Robinson, Jancis, jancisrobinson.com (February 1, 2008). Cuvelier crosses the river to buy Poujeaux.
  4. ^ Anson, Jane, Decanter.com (February 1, 2008). Right Bank foray into Medoc as Clos Fourtet buys Chateau Poujeaux.

[edit] External links

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