What is the current classification of Château Jean Faure and what is its history?

Château Jean Faure has been classified as a Grand Cru Classé since 2022. Its winemaking history dates back to the late 18th century, and it was documented as a Premier Cru de Graves as early as the late 19th century. It first achieved Grand Cru Classé status in 1958 before losing it in 1985. Under the leadership of its current owner, Olivier Decelle, the estate regained its classification in 2022 following extensive modernisation efforts and a dedicated environmental commitment.

Which environmental certifications has Château Jean Faure obtained?

Château Jean Faure is committed to environmentally responsible viticulture, as reflected in its certifications. The estate achieved organic certification (Agriculture Biologique) in 2017 and biodynamic certification (Biodyvin) in 2023. It is also certified Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE). These certifications demonstrate farming practices dedicated to soil preservation and biodiversity.

What is the grape variety composition of the Château Jean Faure vineyard?

The Château Jean Faure vineyard covers 18 hectares, with an average vine age of approximately 45 years. The plantings are predominantly Cabernet Franc (65%), complemented by Merlot (30%) and a small proportion of Malbec (5%). The soils are varied, consisting of clayey gravels, ferruginous sand, and sandy or sandy-clay brown soils with iron pan (crasse de fer). Harvesting is done by hand to ensure the highest grape quality.

Can you visit Château Jean Faure, and what are the visiting arrangements?

Yes, Château Jean Faure offers tours and tastings by appointment. The tasting room is open Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 18:00. A one-hour discovery tour allows visitors to explore the garden, the parcels, the vat room, and the cellar, concluding with a tasting of two wines. The estate is accessible to persons with reduced mobility (PRM) and accepts debit/credit card payments. Tours in English are also available. Cellar-door and mail-order sales are available.

Château Jean Faure - Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé

Identity

Château Jean Faure is a winegrowing estate located in Saint-Émilion, in the Gironde department. It has been owned by Olivier Decelle since 2004. The technical team includes estate manager Marie-Laure Latorre (since 2018), cellar master Louis Gadais, and vineyard manager Daniel Duclos.

History and philosophy

Winegrowing activity at Château Jean Faure dates back to the end of the 18th century. The estate was listed as a Premier Cru de Graves in Cocks & Féret at the end of the 19th century. The Penaud family acquired it in the late 19th century, followed by Marcel Loubat in 1921. Château Jean Faure was mentioned once again in Cocks & Féret in 1929 and achieved Grand Cru Classé status in 1958. Following a less prominent period from the 1970s onwards, the estate lost its classification in 1985. Driven by Olivier Decelle, owner since 2004, the estate embarked on an environmentally conscious viticultural approach, achieving Agriculture Biologique (organic) certification in 2017 and Biodynamic certification (Biodyvin) in 2023. A new vat room has also been built.

Appellations

The estate's plots are situated in the Saint-Émilion area and produce wines under the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé appellation.

Flagship wines

Château Jean Faure primarily produces red wines. The flagship cuvée is Château Jean Faure Grand Cru Classé de Saint-Émilion. Another cuvée is La Réserve, a Saint-Émilion crafted from Merlot and Cabernet Franc, aged in concrete vats. The estate also produces the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Cabernet Franc cuvée.

Practical information

Château Jean Faure is located at 3028 Route de Vachon, 33330 Saint-Émilion. Visitors are welcomed for tours and tastings by appointment. The tasting room is open from Monday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00. A one-hour discovery tour includes a visit to the garden, the vineyard parcels, the vat room, and the cellar, followed by a tasting of two wines at a rate of €20 per person. The estate is wheelchair accessible (PRM) and accepts credit card payments. Tours in English are available. The estate does not provide on-site accommodation or dining facilities. Direct sales at the estate and mail-order sales are available.

Find out more

Official estate website

Frequently asked questions

What is the current classification of Château Jean Faure and what is its history?: Château Jean Faure has been classified as a Grand Cru Classé since 2022. Its winemaking history dates back to the late 18th century, and it was documented as a Premier Cru de Graves as early as the late 19th century. It first achieved Grand Cru Classé status in 1958 before losing it in 1985. Under the leadership of its current owner, Olivier Decelle, the estate regained its classification in 2022 following extensive modernisation efforts and a dedicated environmental commitment.
Which environmental certifications has Château Jean Faure obtained?: Château Jean Faure is committed to environmentally responsible viticulture, as reflected in its certifications. The estate achieved organic certification (Agriculture Biologique) in 2017 and biodynamic certification (Biodyvin) in 2023. It is also certified Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE). These certifications demonstrate farming practices dedicated to soil preservation and biodiversity.
What is the grape variety composition of the Château Jean Faure vineyard?: The Château Jean Faure vineyard covers 18 hectares, with an average vine age of approximately 45 years. The plantings are predominantly Cabernet Franc (65%), complemented by Merlot (30%) and a small proportion of Malbec (5%). The soils are varied, consisting of clayey gravels, ferruginous sand, and sandy or sandy-clay brown soils with iron pan (crasse de fer). Harvesting is done by hand to ensure the highest grape quality.
Can you visit Château Jean Faure, and what are the visiting arrangements?: Yes, Château Jean Faure offers tours and tastings by appointment. The tasting room is open Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 18:00. A one-hour discovery tour allows visitors to explore the garden, the parcels, the vat room, and the cellar, concluding with a tasting of two wines. The estate is accessible to persons with reduced mobility (PRM) and accepts debit/credit card payments. Tours in English are also available. Cellar-door and mail-order sales are available.

The vineyard (terroir)

The Château Jean Faure vineyard covers an area of 18 hectares. The vines have an average age of around 45 years. The soils are characterised by clayey gravels and ferruginous sand, with clay from 40 cm deep, or sandy to sandy-clay brown soils with iron pan (crasse de fer) between 40 and 60 cm. The grape variety distribution is dominated by Cabernet Franc (60% to 65%), complemented by Merlot (30% to 35%) and Malbec (5%). Harvesting is carried out by hand. The estate benefits from the oenological and soil consulting expertise of Claude and Lydia Bourguignon.