Château la Tour Figeac

Identity

Château La Tour Figeac is a winegrowing estate that has been owned by the Rettenmaier family since 1973. Otto M. Rettenmaier is the key figure at the estate. Oenologist Julien Lavenu and manager Pierre Blois oversee operations, assisted by Marie Daugieras, who also serves as vineyard manager and cellar master.

The estate is located in Saint-Émilion, in the Gironde department.

History and philosophy

The history of Château La Tour Figeac dates back to its separation from Château Figeac in 1879. The lands of Saint-Émilion have been dedicated to viticulture since Roman times. In 1999, the terroir and medieval heritage of Saint-Émilion were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The estate became a Grand Cru Classé in 1955. Viticulture incorporated biodynamically inspired practices as early as 1997. The vineyard has been certified organic since 2021 and also holds the HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) certification.

The appellations

Château La Tour Figeac produces wines under the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé appellation.

Practical information

Château La Tour Figeac is located at 1, La Tour Figeac, 33330 Saint-Émilion.

The estate offers wine tastings and cellar-door sales at the property. Bed and breakfast accommodation is also available. Group visits can be accommodated. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm. Mail-order sales are available.

For any enquiries, you can contact the estate on +33 5 57 51 77 62 or by email at contact@latourfigeac.fr.

Find out more

Official estate website

The vineyard (terroir)

The vineyard of Château La Tour Figeac covers an area of approximately 14.6 hectares. It is characterised by sandy-gravel and sandy-clay soils over a clay subsoil, with a majority of gravel. The vineyard borders Château Cheval Blanc and Château Figeac to the east, and the Pomerol appellation to the west. The average age of the vines is 35 years. Planting density is 6,500 vines per hectare.

The grape varieties planted consist predominantly of Merlot (60–70%) and Cabernet Franc (30–40%). Harvesting is carried out entirely by hand.

Key cuvées

The estate's grand vin is Château La Tour Figeac Grand Cru Classé de Saint-Émilion. It is complemented by a second wine, L'Esquisse du Château La Tour Figeac. Average annual production ranges between 45,000 and 60,000 bottles.

Vinification and ageing

Vinification at Château La Tour Figeac is carried out with gentle precision, adapting to the nuances of each vintage. Alcoholic fermentation occurs naturally, using indigenous yeasts. The extraction of tannins and colour is achieved through punching down the cap (Burgundian pigeage) and pumping over (Bordeaux remontage).

Malolactic fermentation takes place on fine lees in oak barrels. Ageing for the grand vin lasts between 13 and 15 months, whilst the second wine is aged for 10 to 13 months. The wines are aged on fine lees in barrels, with at least one-third of the barrels renewed for each vintage. Bottling is carried out at the château.