CHATEAU FIGEAC

We're not just talking old here, the timelines are staggering: a Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé, Figeac's history can be traced back to the Gallo-Roman period, during the 2nd Century AD, when the owner, Figeacus, named his villa here after himself.

This is one of the few Saint-Émilion estates to have been continuously occupied for the past 2,000 years. By the 18th Century, Figeac had already been owned by the same family for around five centuries, and it has been in the possession of the current owners, the Manancourts, for over 120 years.

It was, once, massive, at 200 hectares, but over time bits and pieces have been sold off by various owners, which is why, today, so many different châteaux have Figeac in their name. These days the vineyard stands at a relatively modest 40 hectares, plus 14 hectares of grounds.

Under the innovative guidance of the late Thierry Manancourt, Figeac rose to become one of Bordeaux' greatest wines. As the Romans knew long ago, the terroir is superb, and the wines are consistently elegant, with fabulous aging potential.