Château La Tour Figeac
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A biodynamic Grand Cru Classé estate nestled between two of Saint-Émilion's greatest names, farming with intention since 1997.
Château La Tour Figeac is a 14.5-hectare Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé estate bordering Cheval Blanc and Figeac. Separated from Château Figeac in 1879, the property has been owned by the Rettenmaier family since 1973 and has farmed biodynamically since 1997. The estate produces Merlot and Cabernet Franc from gravel, sand-clay, and clay subsoil.
- 14.5 hectares planted to Merlot and Cabernet Franc
- Grand Cru Classé since the original 1955 Saint-Émilion classification
- Separated from Château Figeac in 1879
- Located between Château Cheval Blanc and Château Figeac near the Pomerol border
- Rettenmaier family owners since 1973; Otto Maximilian Rettenmaier is current owner
- Biodynamic farming since 1997 with full biodynamic certification
- Stéphane Derenoncourt serves as consultant; Christine Derenoncourt as director
History and Origins
Château La Tour Figeac was carved out of the historic Figeac estate in 1879, establishing itself as an independent property in one of Saint-Émilion's most prestigious corners. The estate sits on the plateau near the Pomerol border, flanked by Château Cheval Blanc and the remaining Château Figeac, placing it in exceptional company. The Rettenmaier family, a German dynasty, acquired the property in 1973 and has stewarded it ever since. Otto Maximilian Rettenmaier now leads the estate into its next chapter.
- Separated from Château Figeac in 1879
- Acquired by the Rettenmaier family in 1973
- Located on the plateau near the Pomerol border between Cheval Blanc and Figeac
- Classified as Grand Cru Classé since the inaugural 1955 Saint-Émilion classification
Biodynamic Viticulture
La Tour Figeac converted to biodynamic farming in 1997, making it one of the earlier Bordeaux adopters of this philosophy. The estate holds full biodynamic certification, reflecting a long-term commitment to working with natural cycles rather than relying on synthetic inputs. Stéphane Derenoncourt, one of Bordeaux's most respected consultants, advises the winemaking team, while Christine Derenoncourt serves as director. This pairing of biodynamic viticulture and skilled winemaking guidance defines the modern identity of the estate.
- Biodynamic farming adopted in 1997
- Holds full biodynamic certification
- Stéphane Derenoncourt acts as consultant winemaker
- Christine Derenoncourt serves as estate director
Terroir and Vineyard
The 14.5-hectare vineyard sits on soils of gravel and sand-clay with a clay subsoil, a combination well-suited to both Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The proximity to the Pomerol border introduces a cooler, clay-influenced character to parts of the estate. The gravel component aids drainage and encourages the vines to root deeply, while the clay subsoil retains moisture during drier vintages. This mix of soil types contributes to the layered, textural quality found in the estate's wines.
- Soils of gravel and sand-clay over clay subsoil
- Located near the Pomerol border on the Saint-Émilion plateau
- 14.5 hectares under vine
- Grape varieties: Merlot and Cabernet Franc
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Look it up →Wine Style and Production
La Tour Figeac produces a red wine that is medium to full-bodied with round, fine tannins typical of the Saint-Émilion plateau style. Black cherry and plum dominate the fruit profile in youth, with tobacco and cedar notes developing with age. The estate's second wine, L'Esquisse de La Tour Figeac, allows the team to maintain strict selection for the grand vin. The combination of biodynamic farming, experienced consulting, and well-drained plateau soils produces wines with both structure and approachability.
- Grand vin: Château La Tour Figeac
- Second wine: L'Esquisse de La Tour Figeac
- Style: medium to full-bodied with round, fine tannins
- Flavors of black cherry and plum in youth; tobacco and cedar with age
Medium to full-bodied red with round, fine tannins. Black cherry and plum fruit in youth, developing tobacco and cedar with age. The clay subsoil brings texture and depth, while the gravel component contributes freshness and definition.
- Château La Tour Figeac Saint-Émilion Grand Cru$60-90The estate's grand vin, showing certified biodynamic farming and plateau terroir in a classically structured Saint-Émilion.Find →
- L'Esquisse de La Tour Figeac$30-45The second wine offers approachable entry to La Tour Figeac's terroir at a friendlier price point.Find →
- La Tour Figeac was separated from Château Figeac in 1879 and has held Grand Cru Classé status since the first 1955 classification.
- The estate is located between Château Cheval Blanc and Château Figeac near the Pomerol border, on gravel and sand-clay soils over clay subsoil.
- The Rettenmaier family (German) has owned the property since 1973; Otto Maximilian Rettenmaier is the current owner.
- Biodynamic farming began in 1997, with full certification achieved; Stéphane Derenoncourt consults and Christine Derenoncourt directs.
- The second wine is L'Esquisse de La Tour Figeac; the estate plants Merlot and Cabernet Franc across 14.5 hectares.