The 2022 vintage marks a highly symbolic milestone in the history of Château-Figeac.
Welcomed by professionals as one of the finest wines of the vintage and a testament to the exceptional quality the terroir of Château-Figeac can achieve, the 2022 vintage fully expresses, with purity and precision, the identity and strengths of Figeac’s terroir as recognized by its classification as a Premier Grand Cru Classé “A.”
Over the past fifteen years, our work has focused on strengthening and preserving this unique “identity” of Figeac, while cultivating an authentic connection with its enthusiasts. This has involved better understanding and adapting our cultivation and winemaking methods, intensifying our environmental efforts, and, in line with a comprehensive agroecological vision, equipping ourselves with a vat house that matches the precision achieved in the vineyard.
Inspired by Thierry Manoncourt, who set the benchmark for excellence, it is Figeac that guides us— »Figeac, always Figeac » and its enduring legacy. For this 2022 vintage, the timeless label of Château-Figeac features, for the first time, the designation Premier Cru Classé “A.”
A Vintage That Embodies the Soul and Authenticity of the Estate
This vintage blends the emblematic elements of our label with a subtle nod to family tradition. A precious detail highlights this iconic label: the handwritten inscription by Madame Manoncourt, paying homage to the banner created for the centennial vintage signed by Thierry Manoncourt in 1993. This gesture symbolizes the continuity and respect for the values that have shaped Château-Figeac’s history while paving the way for the future.
This classification represents a milestone rather than a conclusion—a recognition of Figeac’s already established identity. It encourages us to continue our commitment to excellence with a sense of great responsibility.
Château-Figeac: The Story of an Iconic Label
The Château-Figeac label has evolved through significant milestones, reflecting both the estate’s history and the values of the Manoncourt family.
– 1906: Robert Villepigue, Thierry Manoncourt’s uncle, created a bold, colorful, and modern label for its time, which quickly became a timeless icon.
– 1953: Thierry Manoncourt, honoring his grandmother Henriette, added the family crest within the seal, anchoring the family’s history into the design.
– 1993: To celebrate the family’s 100th vintage, a special banner signed by Thierry Manoncourt was incorporated into the label.
– 1995: A “Collector” edition was created to mark Thierry Manoncourt’s 50th vintage, a testament to his dedication and connection to Château-Figeac.
– 2002: A hot-stamped gold line and Thierry Manoncourt’s definitive signature were added, symbolizing the family and team’s commitment. Details subject to change each year were moved to a specially designed back label to simplify the main label.
– 2022: To commemorate Château-Figeac’s classification as a Premier Grand Cru Classé “A,” a handwritten banner signed by the Manoncourt family was added to the bottom of the label. This banner expresses the joy and pride of this unique moment.
While the label has undergone only minor modifications, these changes demonstrate the estate’s dedication to preserving its authenticity and the excellence of the wines it produces while honoring its storied history.