Château de Fieuzal de Fieuzal Blanc 2022

If there’s a seemingly magical force that holds Château de Fieuzal together, it comes from the family in which the owners all belong. From the moment of stepping inside, knowing where, who and why they are here. Brenda and Lochlann Quinn, Irish family owners who fell in love with Fieuzal in 2001, give the esate an identity that is inseparable from their duty as stewards of the land and making of the wine – the Fieuzal of this generation is free to enjoy creating the Fieuzal of the next – with their support, guidance and encouragement.    

Fieuzal’s respect for its land goes back over 400 years to when it was harvested by a handful of modest wine growers. As the terroir gained reputation, it received the name ‘Fieuzal’ in 1864, after ‘Lovely Fieuzal’, the last descendent of the Fieuzal family. Fieuzal’s legendary 1893 vintage sat on the table of Pope Léon XIII in the Vatican and its red became Grand Cru Classé in 1959 - now recognized as one of the finest Grand Crus of Bordeaux. Each of the 5 families to steer Fieuzal’s course has added a touch of their personality on a heritage that is very much alive.

The modest gravel stones of the area give the ‘Graves’ appellation its name, together with the sand that flows between, infuse the roots of Fieuzal's vines with rich minerals whilst having a remarkable power to retain freshness. Protected by 30 hectares of forest and vast stretches of hedgerow, Fieuzal’s vineyard is a diverse world of its own and a treasure that it holds naturally close to its chest. 74 individual plots of 6 grape varieties are each like individual jewels that reflect the light in a different way – their rare characteristics a delight when they are picked by hand and assembled together.

It is interesting to note the rich and exquisite appearance of Château de Fieuzal Blanc 2022, with its silvery reflections. A precise and delicate bouquet offering notes of white flowers marked by acacia, hawthorn and some hints of white peach, evoking memories of childhood. Reserved on the palate, with strength coming from a very structuring tension that is unexpected in this “hot” vintage.