Chateau Fonreaud Le Cygne is a wonderful dry white made from Sauvignon Blanc (65%), Semillon (20%) and Muscadelle (15%). It has beautiful fresh fruit notes of citrus and apple along with richer yellow fruit flavours, wonderful spiced vanilla and smoky aromas which are all perfectly balanced. It is rich, textured and yet fresh and tangy. A wonderful example of how good Bordeaux Blanc can be.
Chateau Fonreaud meaning “Fontaine Royale” is a lovely estate which was purchased in 1962 by Leo Chanfreau. Legend has it that Eleanor of Aquitaine and King Henry II of England stopped by for a drink of cold water from the fountain and said fountain was renamed in their honour. Leo was a grape grower in Algeria and returned to France with his family after falling in love with the Chateau. They set about a full restoration of the Chateau, cellars and vineyards which were in a poor state. The Chateau is managed today by Jean, Leo’s son who farms sustainably under the Terra-Vitis philosophy. It is a chateau which we have loved for many years and one whose wines keep getting better. Great people, great wine.
