Château La Vieille Cure
Château La Vieille Cure was my introduction to Fronsac, and together with Château de la Rivière it is one of the leading names in this once highly acclaimed region of Bordeaux. The wines of Fronsac were at one time in great demand in the French court, but that was during the appellation’s 18th-century heyday. Following the devastation of France’s vineyards by the phylloxera epidemic, Fronsac was one of a number of regions that began a slow spiral into decline. Subsequently the region saw hard times as the appellation faded into the shadow of the limelight which was increasingly focused on the grand estates of nearby Pomerol and St Emilion. Fortunately, outside investors have helped a number of these forlorn properties to regain some of their former shine, and Château La Vieille Cure is just one such estate.
History
The vineyards are located in Saillans on the banks of the Isle, local records indicating that vines were tended here as long ago as the 17th century. The existence of La Vieille Cure was recorded on the Belleyme map in the latter years of the 18th century. Sadly, as is not uncommon in these more peripheral corners of Bordeaux, there is little solid information on these early years.
Please log in to continue reading: