The love story between the Chanfreau Family & Château Fonréaud dates back to 1962 when Léo Chanfreau, winemaker in Algeria, returned to France and bought the estate. At the time the vineyard covered only 17 Ha, in total dereliction. Therefore he decided to start a total renovation. He rebuilt the property piece y piece from the vines to the cellar until he was forced to leave his work unfinished, after a tractor accident in 1970. After this tragedy, his father, Marcel took over until Jean, son of Leo, succeeded him at the end of his Agrononomic studies. His hard work was finally consecrated in 1983, when Château Fonréaud became a member of the Bordeaux Wine Academy and of the Union des Grands Crus.
Today Jean, his wife Marie-Hélène and his sister Caroline Chanfreau-Philippon perpetuates the familial legacy. And the future is guaranteed with the recent arrival of Guillaume and Loïc, sons of Jean. Every day, they manage this vineyard with passion, dedication &h ambition. “Fonréaud”, called “Font-réaux” in centuries gone by, means “Royal Fountain”. Legend has it that in the 12th century, the King of England and husband of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry II Plantagenet, stopped here to quench his thirst and drank from a spring of cool water. The spring still exists in Fonréaud park today.
Like an amphitheatre, the single block vineyard has always surrounded the Château. Only the creation of Appellations d’Origine Controlée broke it down between AOC Listrac-Médoc and AOC Moulis en Médoc. The vineyard covers the highest point in the Médoc (43 m), as well as its gravel and clay-limestone slopes. On this superb terroir are produced a Listrac, (Château Fonréaud), and a Moulis (Château Chemin Royal) and a white Bordeaux (Le Cygne de Fonréaud).
The vines are cultivated in the greatest respect of their environment in compliance with the precepts of the Cousinié Method. Planted with 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 55% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the vineyard classified in Listrac now covers 42 hectares.
In constant evolution, the Château has recently renewed all its facilities. With brand new cutting edge vinification & barrel cellar, it can now pretend to compete with the top classified growth of the Left Bank.
At the tasting, Château Fonréaud immediately seduces with a deep ruby color and an elegant nose with fine notes of red fruits and spices. The attack is frank and reveals a round and racy wine. Definitely one of the top Listrac Médoc.