# Château La Fon du Berger (2012)

- **Producer:** Château La Fon du Berger
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €20
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red plum, cedar, blackcurrant, black cherry, cloves, vanilla, leather, tobacco, earth

## About this wine

Château La Fon du Berger is a family-owned estate in the Haut-Médoc appellation of Bordeaux, France. Managed by the Bouges family since 1983, the estate is committed to a blend of traditional winemaking and environmental stewardship. Its location in Saint-Sauveur du Médoc, near Pauillac, provides a terroir of gravelly soils that are particularly suited to the estate's primary grape, Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate's approach aims to reconcile the heritage of Médoc winemaking with a forward-thinking perspective on sustainability.

## Interesting facts

- Vine density is high (8,000 vines/hectare) to ensure low yields.
- The estate employs sustainable agriculture, including no pesticide use.
- It's located just 3km west of the renowned Pauillac appellation.
- The Bouges family has managed the estate since 1983.

## Food pairing

The wine's firm tannins are well-suited to complement the proteins in red meats, while its medium+ body can stand up to richer dishes. Herbal notes often found in Bordeaux wines can echo seasonings like rosemary and thyme used in classic meat preparations.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process at Château Fon du Berger begins with the careful selection of grapes, which are sorted and destemmed. Fermentation occurs in thermo-regulated stainless steel tanks for a period of 6 to 10 days, followed by a 3 to 4 week vatting period to maximize extraction. The wine then undergoes aging for 12 to 14 months in French oak barrels, with about 30% new wood. Sustainable agriculture principles are employed throughout the vineyard management.