There is something about pouring a glass of Bordeaux that makes my heart, head, and taste buds smile. Especially when that glass is from Saint-Emilion in the Right Bank of the prestigious French region. I find the wines of the Right Bank to be soft, elegant, regal, and rich, with a dominant blend of Cabernet Franc with Merlot. However, Cabernet Sauvignon is also becoming more prevalent as the temperatures throughout Bordeaux warm due to climate change.

One winery with an eye on working sustainably and following biodynamic farming practices is Chateau Fonplégade. Believing in the power of organic farming and the importance of being good stewards of the land, Fonplégade’s owners, Denise and Stephan Adams, received their biodynamic certification in 2020, seven years after the vineyards became organically certified. The chateaux name means “fountain of plenty” and has roots dating back to the 13th century. However, the Adams family acquired the land in 2004 and spent over a decade and a half renovating the vineyards to now produce rich, refined Bordeaux wine expressions they chateau is known for today.

The 45-acre Saint-Emilion vineyard is divided into 27 separate vineyard blocks, each unique due to its soil type and various terroir elements (slope of the land, distinct macro-climate, etc.), allowing a diverse array of characteristics to shine in the wine. The fruit is rich and plush, intertwined with a note of crushed stone minerality, soft herbs, and toasted spice. The tannin is soft, restrained, and balanced, with a lovely note of astringent acidity, keeping the palate fresh and light.  Though aged for up to 20 months in new and used French oak, as well as concrete and amphora, the fruitiness remains at the forefront, inviting you to enjoy sip after sip. #Cheers