Wines Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Château Fonplégade - 2012

Château Fonplégade 2012 is a distinguished red wine from the renowned Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation in the Bordeaux region of France. This particular château is known for its meticulous vineyard management and respect for tradition, with the 2012 vintage blending Merlot as the dominant grape, supported by Cabernet Franc and sometimes a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. The terroir, composed mainly of limestone and clay soils atop the limestone plateau and slopes of Saint-Émilion, imparts both structure and finesse to the wine. The 2012 vintage experienced a challenging start with a cool spring and early summer, but September brought dry and warm conditions, allowing for a harvest that balanced maturity with freshness. The wine is vinified with great care, often seeing a combination of stainless steel and oak fermentation, followed by ageing in French oak barrels for added complexity.

Saint-Émilion itself is steeped in history, boasting monastic origins and UNESCO World Heritage status. The region’s relatively warm microclimate, tempered by Atlantic influences, encourages slow, even ripening of the grapes. The predominance of Merlot leads to plush, approachable wines, while the limestone-rich soils maintain elegance and minerality. Over centuries, Saint-Émilion has forged a reputation for producing some of Bordeaux’s most seductive and ageworthy reds.

This Grand Cru’s supple tannins, ripe plum and black cherry fruit, earthy undertones, and hints of sweet spice make it an excellent companion for a variety of dishes. Classic pairings include roast duck, beef Wellington, or rack of lamb with herb crust. Locally inspired options such as entrecôte à la Bordelaise or confit de canard highlight its savoury depth. For a vegetarian alternative, try a mushroom risotto or aubergine gratin to complement the wine’s earthy character.

To fully appreciate Château Fonplégade 2012, serve it at 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour before pouring will enhance the aromatic complexity and soften the tannins. This allows the wine’s finesse and layered personality to unfold elegantly in the glass.