La Legende de Fonreaud 2016

La Legende de Fonreaud is the 2nd wine of the fantastic Chateau Fonreaud. It is an equal parts blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, planted on a high gravel terrace in the commune of Listrac Medoc. It is a lovely, approachable wine with ripe cassis fruit, soft tannins and spicy notes. Graphite notes come through on the palate which is long and laden with black fruit, damson and an exotic spiciness. It is a charming wine that delivers vintage after vintage.

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 thus 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.