Château Faugères

The vineyard's exceptional potential was first recognized by André de Faugères in 1619, giving the estate its name and an early mark of distinction. Pierre-Bernard Guisez inherited the property in 1987 and initiated a serious quality drive. Swiss crystal magnate Silvio Denz acquired Château Faugères in 2005 and accelerated the transformation, commissioning Swiss architect Mario Botta to design a landmark gravity-flow winery that was completed in 2009. The estate earned Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé classification in 2012, a recognition of the improvements made under Denz's ownership.

• André de Faugères noted the site's potential as early as 1619
• Pierre-Bernard Guisez began quality improvements after inheriting in 1987
• Silvio Denz acquired the property in 2005 and drove the estate to classified status
• Mario Botta's winery, completed in 2009, is a destination in its own right

Château Faugères occupies a naturally formed amphitheater in Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse, one of Saint-Émilion's outer communes. The 42-hectare vineyard rises to 80 meters and presents slopes facing south, south-east, west, and east, maximizing sun exposure across the growing season. The plateau soils rest on asteriated limestone of Lower Oligocene age, a calcareous foundation that promotes drainage and imparts mineral character. The slopes transition to clay-limestone molasse of Upper Eocene and Oligocene origin, providing water retention to support vine stress management during the hot, dry summers typical of this maritime temperate climate.

• Natural amphitheater setting at 80 meters elevation with multi-aspect slope exposure
• Plateau: calcareous soils over asteriated limestone (Lower Oligocene)
• Slopes: clay-limestone molasse (Upper Eocene and Oligocene)
• Maritime temperate climate with hot, dry summers

The estate's blend is dominated by Merlot at 85%, consistent with the broader Saint-Émilion tradition and well suited to the clay-limestone soils of the slopes. Cabernet Franc contributes 10%, adding aromatic complexity and structural lift, while Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for the remaining 5%. Michel Rolland, one of Bordeaux's most influential consulting oenologists, oversees winemaking direction. The gravity-flow design of the Mario Botta winery allows gentle handling of fruit throughout the process, supporting the estate's goal of producing wines with fine tannins, freshness, and elegance alongside concentration.

• 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Michel Rolland serves as consulting oenologist
• Gravity-flow winery design minimizes mechanical intervention
• Style targets fine tannins and freshness balanced with dark fruit concentration

Château Faugères achieved Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé status in 2012, the result of sustained investment in both vineyard and winery infrastructure under Silvio Denz. The Saint-Émilion classification system is reviewed periodically, making promotion a genuine marker of improved quality rather than a permanent inheritance. The estate's combination of a distinctive amphitheater terroir, calcareous and clay-limestone soils, a high-profile architectural winery, and Rolland's consulting presence has positioned it as one of the more visible rising names within the broader Saint-Émilion grand cru classé tier.