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Château Yon-Figeac

sha-TOE yon-fee-ZHAK

Château Yon-Figeac is a 24-hectare Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé producing elegant, Merlot-dominant reds northwest of the village. Built in 1886 on land originally part of the Château Figeac estate, it was acquired by Alain Château in 2005 and elevated through significant renovation and technical investment.

Key Facts
  • Classified as Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé in the 2012 classification
  • 24 to 25 hectares planted northwest of the Saint-Émilion village
  • Soils composed of clay, sand, and iron deposits
  • Grape blend: 86% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot
  • Estate built in 1886, originally part of the larger Château Figeac holdings
  • Purchased by Alain Château in 2005, triggering major renovations
  • Also known historically as Château Alain under current ownership

📜History and Origins

Château Yon-Figeac dates to 1886, when the estate was established on land carved from the broader Château Figeac domain in the 19th century. Figeac is one of the most storied names in Saint-Émilion, and Yon-Figeac's historical connection to that terroir gave it a strong foundation. The property changed hands over the decades before Alain Château acquired it in 2005, a purchase that marked a decisive turning point for the estate's trajectory and reputation.

  • Built in 1886 on parcels originally belonging to the Château Figeac estate
  • Located northwest of the Saint-Émilion village proper
  • Acquired by Alain Château in 2005
  • Also referenced as Château Alain in some historical contexts

🔧Modern Transformation

Following Alain Château's acquisition in 2005, the estate underwent substantial renovations and technical improvements across both the vineyard and the winery. These investments were rewarded with inclusion in the 2012 Saint-Émilion classification as a Grand Cru Classé, a recognition that validated the quality improvements made under current ownership. The estate's commitment to precision viticulture and careful winemaking has repositioned it among the more compelling producers in the appellation.

  • Major vineyard and cellar renovations undertaken post-2005
  • Achieved Grand Cru Classé status in the 2012 Saint-Émilion classification
  • Technical improvements focused on quality elevation across all production stages
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🌱Terroir and Viticulture

The 24 to 25 hectares of vines sit northwest of the Saint-Émilion village on soils of clay, sand, and iron deposits. This soil composition is typical of the broader Saint-Émilion plateau and surrounding areas, providing good water retention from the clay fraction while the iron deposits contribute structure and complexity to the wines. The temperate continental climate of Bordeaux governs the growing season, with Merlot planted as the dominant variety to capitalize on the clay-rich soils where it excels.

  • Soils: clay, sand, and iron deposits
  • Located northwest of the Saint-Émilion village
  • Temperate continental climate typical of Bordeaux
  • Clay soils favor the dominant Merlot variety
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🍇Grape Varieties and Wine Style

The vineyard is planted to 86% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot. The Merlot-dominant blend is characteristic of Saint-Émilion's right bank tradition, delivering concentrated black fruit with flesh and roundness. Cabernet Franc contributes aromatic lift and structural elegance, while the small Petit Verdot component adds depth and color. The resulting wines are full-bodied with a refined and elegant character, showing the ripeness and polish that mark well-made modern Saint-Émilion.

  • 86% Merlot anchors the blend with fruit concentration and texture
  • 10% Cabernet Franc adds aromatic complexity and structural refinement
  • 4% Petit Verdot contributes depth and color intensity
  • Style profile: full-bodied, elegant, concentrated black fruit
Flavor Profile

Full-bodied red with concentrated black fruits, plum, and dark cherry, supported by supple tannins, notes of graphite and iron minerality from the soil, and a refined, polished finish characteristic of well-made Saint-Émilion.

Food Pairings
Roast duck breast with cherry reductionSlow-braised beef short ribsLamb shoulder with herbed jusAged hard cheeses such as Comté or aged GoudaWild mushroom risotto with truffle oilGrilled ribeye with bone marrow butter
Wines to Try
  • Château Yon-Figeac Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé$40-65
    The estate's flagship wine, showcasing the full Merlot-led blend and Grand Cru Classé terroir in a refined, concentrated style.Find →
How to Say It
Châteausha-TOE
Yon-Figeacyon-fee-ZHAK
📝Exam Study NotesWSET / CMS
  • Château Yon-Figeac achieved Grand Cru Classé status in the 2012 Saint-Émilion classification
  • Estate was carved from the historic Château Figeac domain in the 19th century and built in 1886
  • Current owner Alain Château acquired the property in 2005 and drove a significant quality transformation
  • Blend is 86% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot on clay, sand, and iron soils
  • Located northwest of the Saint-Émilion village, covering approximately 24 to 25 hectares