What kind of wine is Saint-Émilion AOC Grand Cru Classé 'Clos Fourtet' 2022 - Clos Fourtet

The Saint-Émilion AOC Grand Cru Classé 'Clos Fourtet' 2022 - Clos Fourtet is born on the limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion, one of the most famous territories of Bordeaux's Right Bank. It is a typical blend of the area, dominated by Merlot alongside Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, which gives life to an elegant, deep wine with a surprising balance between freshness and structure.

Clos Fourtet is today recognized among the highest expressions of the appellation thanks to the sensitive management of the Cuvelier family and the biodynamic conversion, which has further enhanced the purity of the fruit and the richness of the limestone soil.

Vintage Details

The 2022 vintage is considered exceptional for Clos Fourtet. The hot and dry climate favored healthy, ripe grapes rich in aromatic concentration, balanced by cool nights that preserved acidity and finesse. This year also marked the twentieth anniversary of the Cuvelier family at the helm of the estate and the reconfirmation of its dominance among the Premier Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Émilion. A symbolic vintage, perfectly expressing the identity of this historic cru.

Winemaking and Aging

The winemaking of Saint-Émilion AOC Grand Cru Classé 'Clos Fourtet' 2022 - Clos Fourtet follows an artisanal approach that respects the grapes. After manual selection, fermentation takes place in stainless steel and concrete tanks, with a maceration that favors the delicate extraction of tannins and color. Aging occurs in French oak barriques (partially new) for about 16-18 months, a period that allows the wine to mature slowly and harmonize its aromatic and gustatory components.

Tasting Notes

Clos Fourtet 2022 is a wine that clearly reflects the nobility of the terroir and the elegance of the estate's style.

Color

Visually, it presents a deep and luminous ruby red, with youthful purplish reflections that anticipate a good capacity for evolution over time.

Nose

The aroma is intense and refined: notes of ripe red fruits like cherry and blackcurrant stand out, followed by delicate floral notes and subtle hints of sweet spices and tobacco. The overall impression is complex but always elegant, with a mineral touch that recalls the limestone soil of origin.

Palate

On the palate, it is broad and enveloping. The fine and silky tannins support an important yet always balanced structure. The freshness enhances its drinkability, while the long gustatory persistence leaves an intense memory of fruit and spices. A wine of personality, combining power and grace with naturalness.

What dishes to pair with Saint-Émilion AOC Grand Cru Classé 'Clos Fourtet' 2022 - Clos Fourtet

This Grand Cru Classé pairs magnificently with structured and flavorful dishes. It is ideal to accompany:

• Grilled or braised red meats
• Roast lamb with aromatic herbs
• Game or mushroom-based dishes
• Aged cheeses, such as Comté or Tuscan pecorino

Thanks to its elegance, it can also be the protagonist of a dedicated tasting, to be savored slowly to appreciate its evolution in the glass.

Storage and Aging: How to store Saint-Émilion AOC Grand Cru Classé 'Clos Fourtet' 2022 - Clos Fourtet wine

For optimal storage, place the bottles horizontally in a cool environment (between 12 and 14°C), with constant humidity and away from direct light and vibrations. This wine has excellent aging potential, capable of evolving positively for over 15-20 years, developing tertiary aromas of spices, undergrowth, and chocolate. Even in its early years, however, it already offers balance and harmony, making it a versatile choice for those seeking an authentic and highly classy Bordeaux.