This is one of Saint-Emilion's most modest estates, located at the entrance to the village, but whose wines are among the most distinguished. It is a former small fort or "camp fortet" that watched over the medieval town in times of peace and defended it in times of war.
The single vineyard, located on the highest western slopes of Saint-Emilion, is surrounded by low walls, which is how it got its current name.
It has belonged to the Cuvelier family since 2001, with Philippe and his son Matthieu constantly striving for excellence and purity. In particular, they have chosen to manage the vineyard with organic and biodynamic treatments.
The Clos Fourtet was named Premier Grand Cru Classé as soon as the Saint-Emilion classification was created in 1955. It still holds this distinction today, testifying to the merit of its place among the elite.
Le Clos Fourtet reigns over a vineyard of 18.5 hectares of vines, planted on a clay-limestone plateau and whose grape varieties are 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet franc. The wines are aged for 15 to 18 months in French oak barrels, 60% of which are new.
The estate produces a Second wine, Closerie de Fourtet.
Le Clos Fourtet delivers wines of exquisite complexity and inimitable freshness thanks to its great terroir. Offering delicate tannins, they deserve to wait a few years to gain in refinement.
