1st Grand Cru Class\u00e9 A
\nSaint-Emilion<\/p>\n
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Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Faye<\/strong><\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
Gerda: Tell us about you…<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nFr\u00e9d\u00e9rice Faye<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span>I started as an intern in 2002. Six years after I was vineyards manager. In 2010, I have been promoted to technical director, and today I am the general director of the estate. I come from a wine-maker family.<\/span><\/p>\nI am also passionate about music and more specifically guitar.<\/p>\n
Gerda:\u00a0What are the main challenges you personally face, in the practice of your work?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nFr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Faye<\/strong>: The Nature and all the climate problems that come with it. Understanding our different markets is also a daily task.<\/span><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/insidelaplace.rcassocies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/CHATEAU-FIGEAC-532x350.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\nHarvest 2021<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
Gerda:\u00a0How did your harvest go?<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nFr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Faye<\/strong>: 2021 is a complex vintage. It makes me think of a marathon with a lot of challenges. It starts early with the frost. We had to be strong! We are happy with the result of our harvest and it is going to be the first vintage made in the new wine cellar.<\/span><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/insidelaplace.rcassocies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Le-Terroir-exceptionnel-de-Chateau-Figeac_Credit-Alain-Benoit-scaled.jpg\")
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\nThe brand Figeac today and tomorrow\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
Gerda: What positioning (s) do you want for your brand (s)?<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nFr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Faye<\/strong>: We want Figeac to be recognized for the singularity of its encepagement. It is unique in Bordeaux (1\/3 cabernet sauvignon, 1\/3 cabernet franc, 1\/3 merlot). We would also like Figeac to be present in markets where the greatest wines in the world are sold.<\/span><\/p>\nG<\/span>: How do your wines stand out, and are unique?<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\nFF<\/strong>: Thanks to the singularity of its encepagement.<\/p>\nG<\/span>: Which of your recent accomplishments would you like to share with your customers<\/span>?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nFF<\/strong>: The new wine cellar! With this new investment, the work environment has changed completely for the workers (lighter, more space). The quality of the vinification improved as well. We can do more plot-by-plot vinification.<\/p>\nG<\/span>: What future project are you currently working on?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nFF<\/strong>:\u00a0We are conducting lots of studies (cloning, vines).<\/span><\/p>\nOur team is composed of 4 oenologists, 3 agronomists, and myself. Concerning the business part, we are working closely with la Place of Bordeaux so they can sell our wines around the world.<\/p>\n
G<\/span>:\u00a0<\/strong>How far along are your property(ies) in the “green transition”?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nFF<\/strong>:\u00a0We have ISO 14001 certification. It is an individual and international certification. We also have the HVE3 (High Environmental Value) certification. 42 hectares of land are vines out of 54 hectares. The rest of it is just green areas such as forests, grass, lake. The family is very concerned about the environment and biodiversity. Indeed, even if 12 hectares are not planted, the family wants it to stay like that in order to have green areas and improve biodiversity.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/insidelaplace.rcassocies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Chateau-Figeac-credit-Mathieu-Anglada-1-scaled.jpg\")
![](\"https:\/\/insidelaplace.rcassocies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Chateau-Figeac_Credit-Mathieu-Anglada-2-1-scaled.jpg\")
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\nThe business<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nGerd<\/span><\/strong>a<\/span><\/strong><\/span>: What are your priorities in terms of business development?\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nFr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Faye<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span>I am focusing on the distribution of our wines in our historical markets. We also want negociants to reach new markets.<\/span><\/p>\nWe are well distributed in Europe, Swiss, UK. I would like to develop the American market. Nowadays this market represents 11% but my goal is to reach 18 or 20%.<\/p>\n
G<\/span><\/strong>: Do you plan for market or new releases in the near future?<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nFF<\/span><\/strong>: Unfortunately no because we sell mainly in Primeur. Sometimes I answer specific requests depending on the customer or the region he\/she comes from. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nG<\/span><\/strong>: Which vintages should the market be interested in? and why?<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nFF<\/span><\/strong>:<\/span> I love the vintage 2009 at the moment. It drinks perfectly with red fruit aromas. It has a complex and generous structure. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nG<\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>What sales support materials are available to distributors to promote your wines?<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nFF:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span>When there are specific manifestations in France or abroad, the Manoncourt<\/strong> family, the technical director, Romain Jean-Pierre<\/strong>, the sales assistant, Alexa Boulton<\/strong>, and myself are representing the company.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Website and Instagram<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/insidelaplace.rcassocies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Instagram.png\")
<\/a>![](\"https:\/\/insidelaplace.rcassocies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/website.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nThe bottle of your heart<\/strong><\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
Gerda<\/span>: If you had one bottle of your heart?<\/em>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nFr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Faye<\/strong>: The generous <\/span>\u00a0Ch\u00e2teau Figeac 2009<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
\nGerda’s word<\/strong><\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/insidelaplace.rcassocies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Chateau-Figeac-c-Mediacrossing.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
At Ch\u00e2teau\u00a0Figeac, everything is in harmony and has meaning. The magnificent new winery reflects the wine perfectly. From the outside everything is discreet, inside there are 3 levels like the 3 grape varieties that make Figeac unique: 1\/3 merlot, 1\/3 cabernet franc, and 1\/3 cabernet sauvignon. We go deep into the cellar like Figeac after a few seconds on the palate! Its label, created in 1905, never changed since. It comes from the Art Nouveau movement. This is the story of this very Grand Vin in this modern world.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\nThe tasted Wines<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
Ch\u00e2teau Figeac 2018<\/strong> : Figeac is probably one of the raciest wine in Bordeaux. It has an unbelievable complexity, a very specific terroir, and high drinkability. Magic trio!<\/p>\nThe cabernet franc, sauvignon et the merlot are mixed up and bring a perfect synergy.<\/p>\n
This vintage is powerful without being heavy: elegant power. It is going to be deeper with age and become a great wine.<\/p>\n
Fr\u00e9d\u00e9rice Faye<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span>I started as an intern in 2002. Six years after I was vineyards manager. In 2010, I have been promoted to technical director, and today I am the general director of the estate. I come from a wine-maker family.<\/span><\/p>\n I am also passionate about music and more specifically guitar.<\/p>\n Gerda:\u00a0What are the main challenges you personally face, in the practice of your work?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Faye<\/strong>: The Nature and all the climate problems that come with it. Understanding our different markets is also a daily task.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Gerda:\u00a0How did your harvest go?<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Faye<\/strong>: 2021 is a complex vintage. It makes me think of a marathon with a lot of challenges. It starts early with the frost. We had to be strong! We are happy with the result of our harvest and it is going to be the first vintage made in the new wine cellar.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Gerda: What positioning (s) do you want for your brand (s)?<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Faye<\/strong>: We want Figeac to be recognized for the singularity of its encepagement. It is unique in Bordeaux (1\/3 cabernet sauvignon, 1\/3 cabernet franc, 1\/3 merlot). We would also like Figeac to be present in markets where the greatest wines in the world are sold.<\/span><\/p>\n G<\/span>: How do your wines stand out, and are unique?<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n FF<\/strong>: Thanks to the singularity of its encepagement.<\/p>\n G<\/span>: Which of your recent accomplishments would you like to share with your customers<\/span>?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n FF<\/strong>: The new wine cellar! With this new investment, the work environment has changed completely for the workers (lighter, more space). The quality of the vinification improved as well. We can do more plot-by-plot vinification.<\/p>\n G<\/span>: What future project are you currently working on?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n FF<\/strong>:\u00a0We are conducting lots of studies (cloning, vines).<\/span><\/p>\n Our team is composed of 4 oenologists, 3 agronomists, and myself. Concerning the business part, we are working closely with la Place of Bordeaux so they can sell our wines around the world.<\/p>\n G<\/span>:\u00a0<\/strong>How far along are your property(ies) in the “green transition”?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n FF<\/strong>:\u00a0We have ISO 14001 certification. It is an individual and international certification. We also have the HVE3 (High Environmental Value) certification. 42 hectares of land are vines out of 54 hectares. The rest of it is just green areas such as forests, grass, lake. The family is very concerned about the environment and biodiversity. Indeed, even if 12 hectares are not planted, the family wants it to stay like that in order to have green areas and improve biodiversity.<\/p>\n Gerd<\/span><\/strong>a<\/span><\/strong><\/span>: What are your priorities in terms of business development?\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Faye<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span>I am focusing on the distribution of our wines in our historical markets. We also want negociants to reach new markets.<\/span><\/p>\n We are well distributed in Europe, Swiss, UK. I would like to develop the American market. Nowadays this market represents 11% but my goal is to reach 18 or 20%.<\/p>\n G<\/span><\/strong>: Do you plan for market or new releases in the near future?<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n FF<\/span><\/strong>: Unfortunately no because we sell mainly in Primeur. Sometimes I answer specific requests depending on the customer or the region he\/she comes from. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n G<\/span><\/strong>: Which vintages should the market be interested in? and why?<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n FF<\/span><\/strong>:<\/span> I love the vintage 2009 at the moment. It drinks perfectly with red fruit aromas. It has a complex and generous structure. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n G<\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>What sales support materials are available to distributors to promote your wines?<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n FF:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span>When there are specific manifestations in France or abroad, the Manoncourt<\/strong> family, the technical director, Romain Jean-Pierre<\/strong>, the sales assistant, Alexa Boulton<\/strong>, and myself are representing the company.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Website and Instagram<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Gerda<\/span>: If you had one bottle of your heart?<\/em>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Faye<\/strong>: The generous <\/span>\u00a0Ch\u00e2teau Figeac 2009<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n At Ch\u00e2teau\u00a0Figeac, everything is in harmony and has meaning. The magnificent new winery reflects the wine perfectly. From the outside everything is discreet, inside there are 3 levels like the 3 grape varieties that make Figeac unique: 1\/3 merlot, 1\/3 cabernet franc, and 1\/3 cabernet sauvignon. We go deep into the cellar like Figeac after a few seconds on the palate! Its label, created in 1905, never changed since. It comes from the Art Nouveau movement. This is the story of this very Grand Vin in this modern world.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ch\u00e2teau Figeac 2018<\/strong> : Figeac is probably one of the raciest wine in Bordeaux. It has an unbelievable complexity, a very specific terroir, and high drinkability. Magic trio!<\/p>\n The cabernet franc, sauvignon et the merlot are mixed up and bring a perfect synergy.<\/p>\n This vintage is powerful without being heavy: elegant power. It is going to be deeper with age and become a great wine.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nHarvest 2021<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n
\nThe brand Figeac today and tomorrow\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n
\nThe business<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n
\nThe bottle of your heart<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nGerda’s word<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n
\nThe tasted Wines<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/insidelaplace.rcassocies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Gerda-miniature.png\")
<\/p>\n