Chateau Clos Fourtet

Originally erected as a defensive fort during the Middle Ages, the stalwart property is situated just opposite the main entrance to the town of Saint-Emilion.

Viticulture began with the efforts of Leon Rulleau in the mid-1700s who then passed his estate onto his nephew Ellie Rulleau. It was Ellie who had the modern day chateau built with a value of 100,000 livres.

Fernarnd Ginestet acquired the state in 1919 before his son sold it in order to finance his ambition to control Chateau Margaux.

It was bought up by François Lurton, whose family tended to the vineyards until 2001 when it was bought for the sum of $66,800,000 by Philippe Cuvelier.

To this day the ancient walls surrounding the chateau stand as testament to its origins as a fort and stronghold. The result is a sheltered atmosphere that incubates the vibrant heritage of this grand estate.

The vineyard has 19 hectares to itself with grape varieties of 85 percent Merlot 10 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 5 percent Cabernet Franc. 5,000 cases of the grand vin are produced a year on average.