Clos des Abbesses

Identity

Clos des Abbesses is a family-run winegrowing estate situated in Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens. The property is managed by Bruno and Clément Fanara.

History and philosophy

The Fanara family acquired Clos des Abbesses in 2016. The estate is dedicated to an environmentally conscious approach, demonstrated by its Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) certification and membership of the Vigneron Indépendant movement.

Appellations

The wines of Clos des Abbesses are produced under the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru and Saint-Émilion appellations. The estate also crafts a cuvée under the Bordeaux Rosé appellation.

Practical information

Clos des Abbesses welcomes visitors by appointment at 247 Lieu-dit les Jouans, 33330 Saint Sulpice de Faleyrens. Tours are available throughout the year and are hosted by Clément Fanara. The estate offers visits that include a presentation of the vineyard, viticultural practices, a tour of the cellar and barrel store, as well as an explanation of the harvesting and winemaking processes. A tasting of three wines is included. The guided tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. The estate also offers tailored activities such as Bike Tours and tasting workshops. A winegrower's picnic can be arranged for groups of 2 to 8 people following the tour and tasting (approx. 2 hours 30 minutes). Tours are conducted in French, English, Spanish, and Italian. The cellar door is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm for direct sales.

For orders, please call 06 08 02 06 38 or email clos.des.abbesses@gmail.com. For tour bookings, contact clement.fanara@clos-des-abbesses.com. The estate's main telephone line is 05 57 24 20 13.

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The vineyard (terroir)

The Clos des Abbesses vineyard covers an area of 16 hectares. The terroirs consist predominantly of sandy-gravel soils (70%), complemented by clay-limestone soils (30%). The grape varieties are dominated by Merlot (80%), alongside Cabernet Franc (20%). The average age of the vines is 47 years. Harvesting is carried out by hand.

Signature cuvées

The estate offers several cuvées. Château Clos des Abbesses, under the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation, is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Aged in oak barrels for 14 months, it reveals aromas of morello cherry and blackcurrant, with delicate vanilla nuances and well-integrated oak, delivering a silky balance and roundness.

La Grande Abbesse, also a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, is made from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc grown on sandy-gravel and clay-limestone terroirs. Its 16-month oak barrel ageing imparts subtle toasty and black fruit aromas, leading into a silky, balanced palate with natural sweetness and length.

Château La Roseraie, under the Saint-Émilion appellation, is composed of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Aged in vats, this wine is designed to highlight the pure fruit character of the Merlot grape. Its terroir is sandy-gravel.

The AMATA cuvée, a Bordeaux Rosé, is produced from an equal blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot sourced from sandy-gravel terroirs. Crafted using direct pressing, it is styled to enhance fresh citrus aromas.

Vinification and ageing

Harvesting is performed by hand. The red wines are aged in barrels, with a proportion of 40% new oak and 60% one-wine barrels or older. The ageing period varies depending on the cuvée, such as 16 months for La Grande Abbesse and 14 months for Château Clos des Abbesses. The Château La Roseraie cuvée is aged in vats to preserve its fresh fruit profile. The AMATA cuvée is made by direct pressing.