Clos Fourtet

The estate's origins trace back to the Middle Ages, when a defensive fort called Camfourtet was built to protect the town of Saint-Émilion. Viticulture began in the mid-18th century under Léon Rulleau, and the property took its current name, Clos Fourtet, in 1868. The Lurton family owned the estate from 1949 until 2001, when Philippe Cuvelier acquired it for approximately US$66.8 million. Under the Cuvelier family, the estate has undergone extensive modernization, including vineyard replanting, cellar upgrades, and the adoption of biodynamic and organic farming practices.

• Originally a medieval defensive fort known as Camfourtet or Camp Fourtet
• Name changed to Clos Fourtet in 1868
• Lurton family owned the estate from 1949 to 2001
• Philippe Cuvelier purchased the estate in 2001 for approximately US$66.8 million

Clos Fourtet sits on the highest slopes of western Saint-Émilion, directly opposite the main entrance to the village, on a limestone plateau with clay-limestone soils and exceptional drainage. The estate covers 19-20 hectares, with planting densities ranging from 6,000 to 9,000 vines per hectare and an average vine age of approximately 25-30 years. Beneath the vineyard lies a remarkable 13-hectare network of underground caves, which provides a naturally consistent temperature environment for aging. The estate is one of Saint-Émilion's walled clos vineyards.

• Clay-limestone soils with exceptional natural drainage on the limestone plateau
• 13-hectare underground cave network provides stable, natural cellar conditions
• Planting density of 6,000-9,000 vines per hectare
• Average vine age of approximately 25-30 years

The blend at Clos Fourtet centers on Merlot at 85%, supported by 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats using whole-berry fermentation. The Grand Vin is then aged for 14-18 months in French oak barrels, with new oak ranging from 40-80% depending on the vintage. Consultant oenologists Stéphane Derenoncourt and Jean-Claude Berrouet have guided the winemaking direction under the Cuvelier family. The estate also produces a second wine, Closerie de Fourtet.

• Whole-berry fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats
• Aged 14-18 months in 40-80% new French oak barrels
• Consultants Stéphane Derenoncourt and Jean-Claude Berrouet oversee winemaking
• Second wine: Closerie de Fourtet, approximately 2,500 cases annually

Clos Fourtet holds Premier Grand Cru Classé B status within the Saint-Émilion classification. The estate's reputation received its most significant milestone when the 2009 vintage earned a perfect 100-point score from Robert Parker Jr. The Cuvelier family also owns Château Poujeaux in Moulis, within the Haut-Médoc appellation.

• Premier Grand Cru Classé B in the Saint-Émilion classification
• 2009 vintage awarded 100 points by Robert Parker Jr.
• Cuvelier family also owns Château Poujeaux in Moulis, Haut-Médoc
• One of Saint-Émilion's recognized walled clos estates