Château de Fontenille is a historic Bordeaux producer in the Entre-Deux-Mers region, where vines have been grown since the 13th century. Owner Stéphane Defraine acquired the estate in 1989 and has meticulously renovated both the buildings and vineyards across 63 hectares divided into 67 individual plots. What sets Fontenille apart is its commitment to the region itself—Defraine serves as president of the Entre-Deux-Mers syndicat, actively representing the AOC's growers and estates. You're buying from someone who genuinely champions this appellation.

About Château de Fontenille

The estate's location between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, combined with its elevation of 110 metres and free-draining gravel and clay soils, creates the conditions for ripe, balanced grapes. The high winds that sweep through this valley are no disadvantage—they promote healthy vitality in the vines and concentrate flavour at harvest. The vineyard's heritage runs deep. A UNESCO-protected pilgrimage route still traverses the property toward the neighbouring Abbaye de la Sauve-Majeure, a monastery whose religious community maintained these same vineyards for hundreds of years. That continuity of winemaking tradition informs Defraine's modern approach. Fontenille produces three distinct wines, each tailored to its appellation and terroir. The Bordeaux Rouge blends 80% Merlot with Cabernet Franc (10%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%)—a portion is aged in oak barrels with one-third new cooperage while the remainder rests in stainless steel, creating a wine that balances richness with freshness. The Entre-Deux-Mers Blanc, from vines averaging 17 years old, is an unoaked blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Sauvignon Gris, 20% Semillon and 10% Muscadelle, with lees ageing that adds texture and complexity. The Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux, grown on south-facing slopes for maximum sun exposure, combines 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot, aged 12 months in new oak for a generous, rounded palate with notes of sweet spice and cinnamon.

Château de Fontenille Wines in Our Collection

The 2022 Bordeaux Rouge (88 points, James Suckling) is a savory, classically-styled red that reflects the blend's Merlot backbone with supporting structure from Cabernet varieties. This is your everyday Bordeaux—reliable, food-friendly, and genuinely well-made at this level. The 2024 Entre-Deux-Mers Blanc (87 points, 3.8 Vivino) is crisp and flinty, typical of the appellation's fresh white style. Its unoaked profile and blend of four white varieties make it a natural aperitif or partner to lighter seafood and vegetable dishes. The 2022 Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux (87 points, 3.8 Vivino) is the richer proposition. This south-facing vineyard site produces wines with genuine weight and spice character. Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux is an appellation specifically devoted to excellent-value reds made solely around the town of Cadillac at the southern end of Entre-Deux-Mers—it's where Fontenille's serious red expression lives.

Food Pairing

The Bordeaux Rouge suits roasted poultry, beef stew, and charcuterie boards—classic bistro fare where Merlot's softness shines. The Blanc pairs with oysters, grilled sole, or goat's cheese salads, while the Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux works beautifully with lamb, duck confit, or dishes finished with black pepper and herbs. The oak aging in that final wine makes it versatile enough for richer preparations.

What makes Château de Fontenille's location special?

The estate sits between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers at 110 metres elevation, with free-draining gravel and clay soils. High winds ensure healthy, balanced grapes. Vines have grown here since the 13th century, tended by monks from the nearby Abbaye de la Sauve-Majeure.

How are Fontenille's whites different from their reds?

The Entre-Deux-Mers Blanc is unoaked, blending four white varieties (Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Semillon, Muscadelle) with lees aging for texture. Reds are oak-aged: Bordeaux Rouge splits between barrel and tank; Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux spends 12 months in new oak.

Why should I choose Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux over the standard Bordeaux Rouge?

The Cadillac Côtes is grown on sun-exposed south-facing slopes, aged 12 months in new oak, and offers more generous texture with sweet spice and cinnamon notes. It's richer and more structured—ideal if you want more complexity than the everyday Bordeaux Rouge provides.

Who makes Château de Fontenille wines?

Stéphane Defraine acquired the estate in 1989 and has renovated the 63-hectare property in the Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux. Defraine is also president of the Entre-Deux-Mers syndicat, representing local growers and estates.

What style of wine does Château de Fontenille make?

Fontenille produces three wines: a Merlot-based Bordeaux Rouge (88 points), a crisp unoaked white blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Sémillon and Muscadelle, and a richer Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot aged in new oak.