Clos Fourtet 2013

Clos Fourtet 2013

The Estate

Located on the heights of Saint-Émilion, Clos Fourtet overlooks the historic town from the limestone plateau in the west of the appellation. Formerly known as “Camp Fortet”, this strategic site once guarded the town and is today one of the most emblematic vineyards of Saint-Émilion. The estate extends over a single block of vineyard of around twenty hectares, planted on a plateau where the limestone comes to the surface. This soil ensures remarkable natural drainage and gives the wines a characteristic freshness and minerality, hallmarks of the Clos Fourtet style. Since the first Saint-Émilion classification in 1956, the estate has belonged to the circle of Premiers Grands Crus Classés. The vineyard is mainly planted with Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. High planting densities and controlled yields preserve the balance of the vines and fully express the richness of the terroir. The average age of the vineyard is carefully maintained through regular replanting. Beneath the vines lies a vast network of underground quarries carved into the limestone, forming unique natural cellars. Located between six and twelve metres underground, they offer ideal conditions for ageing and storing the wines thanks to a stable temperature and natural air circulation. Owned by the Cuvelier family since 2001, Clos Fourtet has undergone major vineyard restructuring and modernisation of its facilities. A new winery now allows a precise plot-by-plot approach, to express every nuance of the terroir as fully as possible. The wines of Clos Fourtet stand out for their elegance, finesse and depth. Dominated by Merlot, they offer a silky texture and great aromatic richness. Over time, they develop all the complexity and balance that have made the reputation of the great wines of Saint-Émilion.