Viniou Reviews
Château Fonplégade 2018 from Saint-Émilion is a classic Bordeaux red exhibiting the elegance and structure typical of prestigious right bank wines. Predominantly Merlot-based, the blend is completed by Cabernet Franc and sometimes a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, although the exact proportions can vary. The 2018 vintage is celebrated for its ripe, concentrated fruit, thanks to an exceptionally warm and dry growing season, which yielded deeply coloured wines with fine tannic structure and vibrant freshness. The estate benefits from a patchwork of clay-limestone soils, providing the necessary complexity and elegance. Grapes are meticulously hand-harvested, and vinification is carried out in a careful manner that balances modern precision with tradition, resulting in wines that display both opulence and finesse.
Saint-Émilion itself is one of Bordeaux’s most historic and revered wine regions. The medieval town, crowned as a UNESCO World Heritage site, sits atop rolling hills of limestone and clay, ideal for Merlot's plushness and Cabernet Franc’s aromatic lift. The region benefits from a temperate maritime climate, with gentle influences from the Dordogne river moderating temperatures and ensuring a long growing season. These distinctive geological and climatic elements lend Saint-Émilion wines a hallmark balance of richness, minerality, and ageability.
For food pairings, Château Fonplégade 2018 is superb with red meats, especially beef or lamb cooked to medium-rare, which will complement the wine’s ample structure and ripe fruit notes. Local specialities, such as magret de canard (duck breast) or entrecôte à la bordelaise, bring out its savoury depth. Mushroom-based dishes like a truffle risotto echo the wine’s earthy nuances, while aged hard cheeses like Comté or Mimolette are ideal for the finish.
For the perfect tasting experience, decant one to two hours before serving to allow the wine’s complex bouquet to blossom. Serve slightly below room temperature, ideally between 16-18°C, to showcase its velvety tannins and layered aromatics. The wine will continue to evolve beautifully in bottle and can be cellared for eight to fifteen years.
