When it comes to bold Bordeaux wines, Château Figeac is known for making waves.
Unlike many Saint-Émilion estates that lean heavily on Merlot, Château Figeac takes a daring approach with a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend, giving its wines exceptional structure and remarkable aging potential. But innovation doesn’t stop at winemaking—Figeac is also renowned for shaping Bordeaux’s modern wine industry. Let’s dive into its history and why collectors can’t get enough.
The history of Château Figeac
Founded on an ancient Roman villa, Château Figeac’s history stretches back to the 2nd century AD, making it one of the oldest wine-producing estates in the Bordeaux region. However, its journey has been anything but smooth! Figeac faced numerous challenges, including financial troubles and the subdivision of its land, which led to the creation of now-famous neighbouring estates, including Château Cheval Blanc.
Despite these setbacks Figeac emerged as a trailblazer, and its modern legacy began under Thierry Manoncourt in the mid-20th century. A visionary winemaker, Manoncourt introduced innovative techniques, like using new oak barrels, bottling unblended varieties, and combating ‘grey rot’ (a fungal disease affecting the grapes), which set new standards in the region and ensured Figeac thrived through adversity. He was also credited with developing the concept of a "second wine"—now a widely adopted practice in Bordeaux.
In 2022, Château Figeac reached new heights when it was promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé “A” status—the highest rank in the Saint-Émilion classification system. This promotion, however, was not without controversy, as other esteemed estates, including Château Ausone and Château Cheval Blanc, withdrew from the ranking, leaving Figeac as one of only two estates (alongside Château Pavie) to hold this prestigious title.
Caption: Sourced from Château Figeac—Handpicking grapes in the vineyard
Château Figeac wines
The estate’s flagship wine, Château Figeac, showcases the estates bold and atypical Right Bank composition of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and 30% Cabernet Franc. This blend give it more in common with Left Bank powerhouses like Château Latour and Château Lafite Rothschild than its Right Bank peers.
- 2010: A standout vintage praised for its structure and longevity, often compared against the 2009
- 2015: A top-rated year, known for its aging potential and balance.
- 2016: A rare 100-point vintage, combining richness and finesse, ideal for long-term investment
- 2020: The latest addition to Figeac’s Premier Grand Cru Classé “A” lineup, already causing a stir with 100-point scores from Wine Spectator and James Suckling.
Petit Figeac: is Figeac’s second wine, and the brainchild of Thierry Manoncourt. Offering a taste of Figeac’s renowned quality at a more approachable price, it’s perfect for earlier drinking while still being rare and worthy of investment.
Caption: Sourced from Château Figeac—1946 Château Figeac
Why collectors love Château Figeac
Château Figeac is a standout in Bordeaux, known for its resilience, innovative winemaking, and rebellious spirit. Its unique Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend makes its wines particularly age-worthy, while its promotion to Premier Grand Cru Classé “A” status in 2022 has only fuelled demand, pushing auction prices higher.
The estate’s combination of innovation, resilience, and prestige has made it a blue-chip asset in the wine world. Figeac wines consistently deliver exceptional quality, complexity, and aging potential. This is why they’re often considered a safe bet for investors and collectors alike.
A bottle of 2009 Château Figeac is up by 50.9% over the past 10 years, showcasing the growing appeal of this estate.
Caption: Sourced from WineSearcher—10 year performance of the 2009 Château Figeac
Collectors also love Figeac for its consistent quality. Whether it’s a vintage from the 1980s or the latest release, you can expect exceptional aging potential and complexity.
Summary
From its ancient Roman roots to its innovative present, Château Figeac has earned its place among Bordeaux’s elite estates. Whether you’re sipping Petit Figeac or holding onto a prized 2016 Château Figeac, this estate’s Cabernet-forward blend, aging potential, and growing demand make it a top choice for collectors and investors alike.
