La Closerie de Fourtet 2022

The elegance and complexity of a Saint-Émilion Second Wine

The estate

The uniqueness of the Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé of Clos Fourtet is that it is qualified as a closed vineyard. In a constant quest for excellence, Clos Fourtet and the Cuvelier family practise sustainable agriculture that respects the balance of nature.

The vineyard

La Closerie de Fourtet is a Saint-Émilion wine made from a 5-hectare plot. The vines are 25 years old on average, and are planted on clay-limestone soils typical of Saint-Émilion. This is Clos Fourtet's Second Wine.

The vintage

The weather at the start of 2022 was cool and rainy. This was soon replaced by mild, dry weather, heralding an early budburst. May was one of the warmest and driest months in 20 years. Mid-flowering arrived early, on 23 May. The vegetative cycle was punctuated by three heatwaves, enabling the grapes to change colour and ripen evenly. Moderate water stress was caused by the drought.

Winemaking and ageing

Fermentation of the grapes in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, followed by extraction by manual punching of the cap. Vatting time is 25 to 30 days. Malolactic fermentation in vats and barrels. Aged for 16 to 18 months in barrels (20% new and 80% one wine) in an underground cellar.

Blend

La Closerie de Fourtet 2022 is a blend of Merlot (90%) and Cabernet Franc (10%).