Clos Fourtet – Premier Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Émilion

Perched on the limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion, Clos Fourtet is a historic 19-hectare estate that embodies classified elegance, limestone minerality, and a uniquely velvety charm on Bordeaux’s Right Bank. Owned by Philippe Cuvelier since 2001 and advised by Stéphane Derenoncourt, the estate combines deep respect for its terroir with modern precision, placing it among the most renowned names in Bordeaux.

A limestone terroir of exceptional character

The vineyard sits on the clay-limestone soils of the Saint-Émilion plateau, famed for excellent drainage and their ability to impart a saline mineral tension to the wines. A temperate microclimate ensures slow, even ripening of the grapes, contributing to the estate’s hallmark finesse.

• Surface: 19 ha
• Grape varieties: 85% Merlot – 10% Cabernet Sauvignon – 5% Cabernet Franc
• Average vine age: 25 years
• High planting density ensures concentration and precision

Viticulture & Winemaking

• Hand harvesting with rigorous plot selection
• Fermentations in temperature-controlled vats over 25–30 days
• Gentle pump-overs to preserve tannin finesse
• Extended maceration, malolactic fermentation in barrel
• 18 months ageing in French oak (60–80% new)
• Each lot vinified and aged separately for precise final blending

Style & Ageing

Clos Fourtet stands out with its deep color and captivating bouquet of black fruits (plum, blackcurrant), fine spices, licorice, graphite and delicate floral notes. On the palate, its velvety texture is balanced by an elegant mineral freshness — a signature of the limestone plateau.

• Cellaring potential: 20 to 40 years depending on the vintage
• Optimal expression from 5 to 7 years of bottle age

Food Pairings & Service