2022 Chateau Figeac, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, France

Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru classé since 1955.

• Owned by the Manoncourt family since 1892. 54 hectares (133 acres) in a single block, all First Classified Growth.
• 41 hectares (101 acres) under vines.
• Second wine: Petit-Figeac (formerly Grange Neuve de Figeac from 1945 to 2011).
• Approx. 120,000 bottles of Château-Figeac/year, 40,000 for Petit-Figeac.
• An iconic label, created in 1906 by Thierry Manoncourt’s uncle.
• 3 Gunzian gravel outcrops (altitude 39m, depth. approx. 7m) flint and quartz on blue clay.
• Unusual varietal mix in which Cabernet Sauvignon predominates: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and only 1/3 Merlot
• Average age of the vines: 35
• Oldest vines in production: Merlots planted in 1921 275,000 vines, each considered as an individual
• Average yield: 40hl/ha Grapes harvested by hand, traditional and intra-plot vinification using a gravity-feed process, sustainable viticulture
• Maturing: 100% in new oak barrels, 15 to 18 months
• Consultant winemaker: Michel Rolland
• Certification and commitments to the environment: ISO 14001 certification in 2015 under the first Environmental Management System for Bordeaux vineyards; Level 3 HVE High Environmental Value certification. Registered as a wildlife reserve since 2013.
• All wine sold to Bordeaux professionals (Place de Bordeaux), en primeur sales. 

VINTAGE REPORT
Our first vintage as 1er Grand Cru Classé “A” was climatically unprecedented, due to the early and long-lasting heat and drought throughout the region. In order to overcome the challenges posed by nature, both the vines and our team had to adapt, drawing deeply on their resources and experience.
From the end of May, unseasonably high temperatures set in, accompanied by drought. Aided by heat and an exceptional amount of sun, the vines grew vigorously until flowering. Despite these difficult conditions, the vines continued their vegetative cycle slowly and serenely; véraison rolled out across the vineyard from the end of June. Cool nights and the precious, scant rainfall of June and August allowed the plant to continue its normal metabolic rhythm even under the hydric constraint, without stress nor blockage. We observed the astonishing resilience of Château-Figeac’s vines when faced with the early arrival of drought conditions.
rom the beginning of August, we already observed a browning of the pips; quite surprising, as this usually occurs much later in the season, and explained by the exceptional summer sunshine. In mid-August, the first tastings and analyses of the grapes began. The team was already preparing themselves for an early harvest and the responsiveness necessary preserve aromatic balance and juice.

On September 1st, the Manoncourt Family began the earliest harvest at Château-Figeac in their 130 years of ownership.
This is the second vintage to be vinified in our new cellars, which has allowed us to work both calmly and precisely. A unique vinification program for each vat brings out the potential of each plot, preserving the natural aromatic freshness and achieving a smooth and harmonious extraction of tannins with exceptional texture. We practice a sulfur-free vinification with low fermentation temperatures, using only maceration by infusion. Our choice of barrels for malolactic fermentation and aging was given special attention.
In such a challenging year, we were impressed by the resiliency of vines, which gave us the material to craft an exceptional Château-Figeac 2022, in which the identity and the strengths of its terroir are expressed to their fullest.

VARIETAL MIX
35% Merlot
34% Cabernet Franc
31% Cabernet Sauvignon

Harvest
From September 1st to 26th

OVERCOME EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS
Figeac has many natural assets that allow it to overcome extreme weather conditions. Blue clay subsoil preserves moisture deep underground. Islands of coolness are created by the woods, hedges, ponds, and streams found throughout the 13-hectares of the estate not planted with vines. The historical choice of rootstocks that favor plunging roots, plus our vineyard planting largely dominated by Cabernets (a considerable asset this year) make Mr. Manoncourt’s visionary approach more relevant than ever.
Throughout this season, the main objective of our teams was to preserve the freshness of the soil and the fruit. Experience acquired during recent hot vintages as well as the team’s systemic and deeply-rooted agro-ecological approach, were essential. They have led our vineyard team to be more adaptable in their cultivation methods, preparing them for the climatic conditions of 2022.

For example, in order to limit the evapotranspiration of the vine and the evaporation of water from the soil, we employed various tools and methods: inter-row plant cover, harvest at dawn to benefit from the coolest temperatures, minimal soil work, no leaf removal, and limited topping.