The name of Château Fombrauge derives from "Fons Brogiera", meaning "source surrounded by heather and bushes". Vineyards have been planted in the valuable soils of this former Carthusian monastery -Saint-Emilion's largest Grand Cru Classé- since 1466. It was in 1867 that the estate's voluptuous wine was awarded gold at the World Fair in Paris.
When acquired by Bernard Magrez in 1999, a complete restoration was undertaken to preserve its period style. The generous single-floor mansion slumbers at the end of a long gravel drive, flanked by stately topiary gardens. A long terrace overlooks 300-year-old tulip trees and a seemingly infinite expanse of vines, which stretch out over 58 hectares.
One of the five cellars, brimming with 900 barrels of resting wine, features bottles from 1870; another is presided over by a large antique clock. Bernard Magrez’s passion for collecting antique timepieces is revealed throughout: in the cabinets of the tasting salon with their silver clocks, and on the château’s grounds, in the veins of a sundial dating back to 1679, which was ordered by the previous owner of the estate, Jacques de Canolle.
Other Bernard Magrez properties on Wine Paths:
La Grande Maison Bernard Magrez
Restaurant Pierre Gagnaire La Grande Maison | 2 Michelin stars **
Château Fombrauge is one of the preferred wineries on the Michel Rolland Selection.
For the last forty years, my career has taken me to four continents and to more than two hundred and fifty different wine estates around the world. I have visited exceptional vineyards and tasted extraordinary wines everywhere I have been.
Now, I am delighted to have the opportunity to share my selection of wineries with you thanks to Wine Paths, an innovative project that I am extremely enthusiastic about, for the first time ever, we can find the best wine & dine addresses in the world featured in one place.
My selection includes some unique hidden gems as well as some renowned properties: I have chosen all of them based on the outstanding quality of their wines and services. Join me on this journey to discover the best wineries in the world’s most acclaimed wine regions.
Michel Rolland
International Winemaker