Situated west of Saint-Emilion, Château Figeac is characterized by the total harmony between the building and the surrounding nature. Between the 40 hectares of vines and the 14 hectares of woods, meadows and ponds surrounding the estate, it represents the largest property in Saint-Emilion. It rests on 3 hills made up of Güntzian gravel, whose single grape variety is specific to the Château: 30% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Cabernet Franc.
Originally, it is likely that the place was the site of a Gallo-Roman villa that belonged to the Figeacus family, then in the Middle Ages became a seigneury. Between the 15th and 18th centuries, the estate passed into the hands of prestigious families: the Lescours, the de Cazes, the Carles. The latter, influential and dynamic merchants, developed the wine trade in Paris, then abroad. They also bring their architectural touch to the building, whose elegant 18th century parts are still admirable. In 1892, the ancestors of the current owners, the Manoncourt family, acquired Château Figeac. For the first time, they imposed the maintenance of the vines by an agricultural engineer. This habit became a requirement, hence the engineering studies carried out by Thierry Manoncourt between 1943 and 1947, when he took over the reins of the estate. The father of the current owners will be a key figure in the destiny of Figeac. Having realised the enormous potential of the terroir, he never ceased to improve the wines, respecting the fauna and flora, modernising the vat room and cellars (hence his nickname "Pharaoh of Saint-Emilion"!), choosing today's original and unique grape varieties. Demanding perfect technical mastery from his team, it is thanks to his determination and talent that Château Figeac obtained the classification of Premier Grand Cru de Saint-Emilion in 1955. With his wife Marie-France Manoncourt, they made Château Figeac known in the United States and Asia.
Today the vineyard is run by Mrs Manoncourt and especially one of her four daughters, Hortense. Together, they have decided to invest in the future, following in their father's footsteps. The construction of a new cellar in the basement so as not to disfigure the natural harmony of the place - their trademark in a way - is however very expensive. The family's priority is to keep the fauna and flora intact (numerous animal species and huge trees are to be found in the park) while changing the reputation of Château Figeac: excellent wines in obsolete facilities. Indeed, Château Figeac is known throughout the world for its racy side, a certain slowness at the start, but a beautiful persistence that runs straight, aromatic complexity and a lot of freshness. A wine of aristocratic elegance, with notes of undergrowth, cigar and leather, whose velvety texture and silky tannins are a sign of the splendid terroir.
