ABOUT THE WINE An ancient vineyard, named after its Gallo-Roman owners, the Figeacus family, the Figeac estate has been continually occupied and farmed for at least two thousand years. The terroir is very special indeed, a large part of the original 200-hectare estate was sold off during the 18th Century to the Ducasse family to become Chateau Cheval Blanc, and other sections contribute to some of the finest estates in the appellation. The 42-hectare vineyard that remains contains vines over 100 years of age, with an unusually high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon planted.
TASTING NOTES A supple, expressive wine laced with sweet dark cherry, plum, tobacco, mint, liquorice and leather. Open and accessible, this is a delightful, Cabernet-dominated second-wine.
FOOD PAIRING Roast beef, veal and venison. Steak pies. Beef daubes, ox cheek and other stews cooked in red wine.
FRIARWOOD SAYS Petit Figeac may lack the longevity of the grand vin, but serves up a greater generosity of fruit and an earlier-drinking style.