PRODUCER Vines have been grown at Fontenille since the 13th century and a pilgrimage route, protected by UNESCO, runs through the vineyards to the neighbouring Abbaye de la Sauve Majeure, whose monks tended the vines for hundreds of years. Stéphane Defraine bought the property in 1989 and has gradually renovated the buildings and replanted and extended the vineyards. He now owns 42 hectares, of which 12 hectares are white wine varieties and 30 are red. The wines represent excellent value, with considerably more weight, interest and purity of fruit than other examples at this price. VINEYARDS The gravel, clay and free-draining soils of the Fontenille vineyards combined with the high winds that keep the grapes healthy, result in pure, expressive grapes. The vineyards are situated at an altitude of 110 metres above sea level in the Entre-Deux-Mers region between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. VINIFICATION The grapes were destemmed and crushed before undergoing fermentation at 25°C in temperature controlled stainless-steel tanks. The varieties were vinified separately before being aged for 18 months, half in French oak barrels (1/3rd new), the remainder in vats, prior to blending and bottling. TASTING NOTES This wine has a youthful ruby colour with lingering berry fruit notes. Well-structured and full bodied, this Bordeaux is bright and approachable with an expressive core of berry fruit.