Archeologists have found evidence of winemaking at Figeac dating back to the 2nd century AD.
In the 19th century, the original 200 hectare estate was divided into several plots for inheritance purposes, one of which went on to become the famous Cheval-Blanc.
The Manoncourt family now owns this Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru B. Figeac's unique terroir clearly differs from that located nearer to the medieval town. Along with Cheval-Blanc, Figeac is the only estate in Saint Emilion with a subsoil composed mainly of gravel (round pebbles), although a part of the vineyard also consists of aeolian sand similar to that found in the neighboring Pomerol appellation. Figeac's gravelly soil explains the high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, to which they are especially well-suited.
Vineyard and cellar work is always carried out with the greatest of care.
The introduction of various new techniques over the years - training the vines higher for maximum sun exposure in the 1940s, the use of vine cuttings as fertiliser in the 50s, the use of malolactic fermentations and treatment with synthetic fungicide in the 60s - abandoned today but quite popular at that time, stainless steel vats in the 70s, or the first online wine web site in the 90s, have given this estate an innovative image.
Great vintages of Figeac have rich aromas, impressive concentration, and a personality that sets them apart from other great wines of Saint-Emilion.
