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Men and Women

#WinegrowerPortrait : Fabienne BALOTTE

Discover the men and women who work in the vineyards of Saint-Emilion, Lussac Saint-Emilion and Puisseguin Saint-Emilion!

On January 31st, 2022, at the end of the Coupe des Crus de Saint-Emilion, 24 crus were named “Coups de Cœur 2022” by a jury of professionals! Château Fonrazade, a Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, was one of the winners. Fabienne BALOTTE, 62, is the owner. Find out more about this winemaker and her wine!

Fabienne BALOTTE sur sa propriété avec des chevaux

What’s your role on the estate?

I’m the owner of Château Fonrazade. As such, I’m in charge of every stage from vine to wine: vine cultivation, grape harvesting, vinification, barrel ageing and bottling. I’m also in charge of marketing and customer service.

For me, it’s all about being a pilot: anticipating, learning and improving. It’s a versatile, flexible job where human relations are fascinating.

Can you tell us about your estate?

Château Fonrazade is a Saint Emilion Grand Cru located at the foot of the hill on sandy-clay soils.

Acquired in 1955, it took 10 years to structure the vineyard and then construct the buildings dedicated to winemaking and reception.

Arche du Château Fonrazade, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
Bouteille du Château Fonrazade, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, millésime 2016

Can you tell us about the winning cru?

Château Fonrazade has a ruby-red color and a nose of ripe, lightly toasted fruit. It has a velvety attack, a fleshy, silky texture and a persistent, spicy finish.

 

Can you suggest a food and wine pairing with the winning cru?

Château Fonrazade goes perfectly with stuffed shoulder of lamb or salmis de palombe (a typical dish from the South-West of France).

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