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 Clos Fourtet 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.

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.[1][2] 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.[1][2]

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

Production

The vineyard area extends to 19 hectares, with the grape varieties split between 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. 5,000 cases of the Grand vin Clos Fourtet are produced annually, while 2,500 cases of the second wine Closerie de Fourtet are usually produced.[2]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Peppercorn, David (2003). Bordeaux. London: Mitchell Beazley. pp. 413–415. ISBN 1-84000-927-6. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Kissack, Chris, thewinedoctor.com. "Clos Fourtet". 
  3. ↑ Robinson, Jancis, jancisrobinson.com (2008-02-01). "Cuvelier crosses the river to buy Poujeaux". 
  4. ↑ Anson, Jane, Decanter.com (2008-02-01). "Right Bank foray into Medoc as Clos Fourtet buys Chateau Poujeaux". 

External links

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