A Legacy Rooted in Saint-Émilion’s Terroir
Situated in the heart of Saint-Emilion, Chateau Faugeres is a testament to the enduring excellence of Bordeaux’s right-bank wines. The estate’s history can be traced back to the 19th century, when it was established on a unique terroir composed of limestone and clay soils—perfect for cultivating Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. These soils provide essential drainage and mineral complexity, which, combined with the region’s favorable climate, contribute to the wine’s balance and longevity.
Over the decades, Chateau Faugeres has upheld a commitment to quality and authenticity, refining its viticultural and winemaking practices while preserving the essence of its historic vineyards. The estate’s reputation has grown significantly, earning recognition for its ability to harmonize tradition with innovation. Today, Chateau Faugeres continues to be a distinguished name in the Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe category, producing wines that reflect the richness and depth of its exceptional terroir.
The Transformation Under Silvio Denz
The modern history of Château Faugères took a significant turn in 2005 when Swiss entrepreneur and wine connoisseur Silvio Denz acquired the property. With a background in luxury goods and a deep passion for wine, Denz sought to elevate the estate to new heights. One of his most impactful contributions was the commissioning of the renowned architect Mario Botta to design a state-of-the-art winery. Completed in 2009, the futuristic, gravity-fed facility seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology with environmental sustainability, allowing the winemaking team to craft wines of purity and precision.
Vineyard Practices and Winemaking Philosophy
Château Faugères spans approximately 37 hectares, planted predominantly with Merlot (85%), complemented by Cabernet Franc (10%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%). The estate follows sustainable viticultural practices, emphasizing low-intervention methods to preserve the integrity of the fruit and its expression of terroir. Hand harvesting, strict grape selection, and meticulous vinification techniques contribute to the consistent quality of the estate’s wines.
In the cellar, the wines undergo fermentation in temperature-controlled vats before aging in a combination of new and used French oak barrels. The goal is to balance power and elegance, ensuring that each vintage reflects both the richness of the fruit and the minerality imparted by the limestone soils.
Recognition and Evolution: Grand Cru Classe Status
In 2012, Château Faugères achieved the prestigious Grand Cru Classé status in the Saint-Émilion classification, a testament to the estate’s commitment to excellence. This recognition reinforced its standing among the top properties in Bordeaux, drawing the attention of collectors and connoisseurs worldwide.
Under Denz’s ownership, the estate has continued to innovate, experimenting with biodynamic practices and exploring new approaches to enhance the depth and longevity of its wines. The introduction of single-parcel vinifications and micro-vinification techniques has allowed for greater precision and complexity in the final blends.
The Wines of Château Faugères
Château Faugères produces several wines, each showcasing the estate’s commitment to quality and terroir expression:
- Château Faugères: The flagship wine, a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé, known for its rich, full-bodied profile with layers of black fruit, spice, and velvety tannins.
- Château Péby Faugères: A single-vineyard wine made exclusively from Merlot, often regarded as one of the most opulent and concentrated wines in the region, achieving high critical acclaim.
- Le Merle de Péby Faugères: A second wine of Château Péby Faugères, offering a more accessible yet still elegant expression of the estate’s terroir.
- Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux: A wine produced from the estate’s holdings in the neighboring appellation, delivering excellent value with a fruit-forward and structured style.
The Future of Château Faugères
Looking ahead, Château Faugères remains poised to further its reputation as a benchmark for modern Saint-Émilion wines. The estate is investing in sustainability initiatives, with an increasing focus on organic farming and reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, advancements in precision viticulture, including drone-assisted vineyard management and AI-driven analytics, are being explored to optimize grape quality while minimizing environmental impact.
Another exciting prospect is the continued evolution of the estate’s secondary labels, including Château Péby Faugères, which has gained acclaim for its bold, opulent style. By fine-tuning their techniques and maintaining a philosophy rooted in respect for terroir, Château Faugères aims to stay at the forefront of Bordeaux winemaking.
Michel Rolland taste the grapes of 2016
Vineyard of Silvio Denz
2014 Château Faugères Blanc
A fresh and vibrant white with pronounced grapefruit and lime zest aromas. The palate is crisp, showcasing bright acidity and a strong mineral backbone. A well-structured wine with elegance and precision, ideal for pairing with seafood or fresh goat cheese.
2014 Cap de Faugères (46 ha)
A youthful, fruit-forward red dominated by red berries such as raspberry and cherry. Still carrying some residual yeast notes, suggesting it could benefit from additional bottle aging to achieve better integration. The tannins are present but not overwhelming, hinting at a structured yet approachable wine.
2011 Cap de Faugères
More concentrated and intense compared to the 2014 vintage, with deeper red fruit flavors such as black cherry and plum. The structure is firmer, with fresh acidity keeping it lively. However, the tannins are still somewhat rigid, and there is a slightly harsh edge on the finish. Needs further aging to soften and develop complexity.
2014 Cap de Faugères La Mouleyre
Displays an intense, almost opaque dark color. The nose is complex, with dominant tobacco, cedarwood, and earthy tones. On the palate, there is a robust structure, with firm tannins and a masculine, powerful character. This wine is built for aging and will likely develop more finesse over time.
2011 Cap de Faugères La Mouleyre
Exceptionally concentrated with immense depth. The tannins are bold and somewhat drying at this stage, but they provide a solid framework for long-term cellaring. Dark fruit flavors intermingle with notes of spice and oak, suggesting a wine that will reward patience.
2014 Catreuse de Château Faugères
The nose is cool and refreshing, with an intriguing minty character. On the palate, it is lively and energetic, featuring bright acidity and a leaner profile. While currently a bit tight, this wine shows promise and could benefit from a short rest in the bottle to fully express itself.
2014 Château Faugères
Highly mineral-driven with an aromatic profile that includes fresh mint, graphite, and hints of wet stone. The tannins are somewhat aggressive at this stage, leading to an unbalanced structure. However, beneath the firmness, there is great potential. The presence of some lingering yeast notes suggests further refinement will come with time.
2008 Château Faugères
A wine showing significant evolution, with ripe and slightly overripe fruit characteristics. Notes of dried figs, prunes, and dark chocolate emerge, adding depth to the profile. The tannins remain firm, indicating longevity. Despite its ripeness, the wine maintains a certain freshness, making it a compelling choice for continued aging.
2014 La Merle de Faugères (100% Merlot)
Aromatic and perfumed, with a nose that reveals layers of coffee, toffee, and caramelized oak. The palate is lush, offering ripe red fruits like raspberry and strawberry jam, combined with spicy undertones and well-integrated wood influence. A Merlot-driven wine with both elegance and structure.
2011 La Merle de Faugères
More complex than the 2014 vintage, showing additional layers of minerality and a graphite-like character. The fruit profile is darker, with blackcurrant and cassis leading the way. Hints of pencil shavings and a touch of yeastiness add to its complexity. A wine with depth that will continue to evolve with time.
2013 Péby Faugères (Small production)
An opulent and highly concentrated wine, reflecting its limited-production status. The nose is layered with dark fruit preserves, blackberries, and ripe plums, intertwined with hints of licorice, spice, and well-integrated oak. On the palate, the tannins are firm but velvety, giving the wine a luxurious mouthfeel. The finish is long and complex, with lingering notes of cocoa and espresso. A wine with significant aging potential and a standout from the lineup.
The Cellar of Chateau Faugeres
