Food Pairing
A lovely red wine which perfectly blends the classic combination of merlot and cabernet franc. Definitely one to consider when red meat is on the menu. Full-bodied and juicy with black fruit and smoke. Lip-smacking delicious layers of fleshy ripe blackberries. Top me up!
- Country
- France
- Region
- Bordeaux
- Grapes
- Merlot, Cabernet Franc
- Vintage
- 2016
- ABV
- 14.5
- Code
- 10700
- Style
- Red
- Methods

Pierre Taix is an exciting winemaker who we discovered for the first time in 2011. He has 40 Hectares in Puisseguin St. Emilion with Merlot and Cabernet Franc planted on clay-limestone soil perfectly. Chateau Fongaban dates back to the 17th century, the age of the vines is 25 years on average, and the vineyard has excellent exposure to the south and south-east and is cultivated organically.
These are all the little details which we look for when seeking out new wines, but they can only tell us so much. The skill and passion of the winemaker is essential. Pierre Taix is not afraid to take risks, and this sets him apart from operators whose accountants decide when the grapes will be harvested, and whether interventions of various kinds, natural or otherwise, will be needed.
Pierre is prepared to leave the grapes until he is sure they are good and ripe, allowing him to make a wine full of beautiful rich fruit flavours. Aged exclusively in oak barrels, the combination of terroir, skill in the vineyard and winery, and the fact that this is satellite St. Emilion allows us to enjoy a wine that rivals many of its much more expensive neigbours.
"Delicious spiced plums supported by ripe tannins and peppery finish. Full-bodied enough to match with a curried lamb and green peppers."
Chateau Fongaban
Pierre's grandfather, wanting to protect his family from the difficult times that were to come, acquired the domain in 1932. From 8 hectares at that time, it extends to 40 hectares today, mostly on shallow clays.