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"The Pueyo Family has owned Belregard-Figeac since 1853. The estate has remained in the family and this continuous ownership is accompanied by the priceless and intimate knowledge of the best parcels of each vineyard gained through seasons of observation. This is the kind of understanding that no amount of time at university can replace. It shows through in the wine, a true example of the character of their particular corner of Saint-Émilion. Jacques and Jean-Paul Pueyo, brothers, are the current generation in charge of all affairs at Belregard-Figeac. They have recently been joined by Jacques’ son, Christophe. For our part, we have worked with the Pueyo family since the 1996 vintage having been introduced to this delightful and dedicated family from Libourne by Danielle Meunier, proprietor of our other Saint-Émilion producer, Château Haut-Segottes. The vineyards are situated on the slopes near the picturesque village of Saint-Émilion but in the section that borders Libourne and Pomerol. Saint-Émilion is a large appellation, with noticeable variation in soil types, over 17 different combinations of soil and subsoils are classified here, resulting in wines that can be very different from one another. At Belregard-Figeac, the soil is a deep sand positioned on moderate slopes. Compared to the Médoc, the soils are richer. Vines are more vigorous and require wider spacing, with an average 5000 to 6000 vines per hectare as compared to 9000 to 10000 vines per hectare that is common in the Médoc. Merlot predominates at Belregard-Figeac, comprising 68% of the vineyards. Cabernet Franc (25%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (7%) make up the rest. The vines are an average 35 years old (as of 2011). The majority of the holdings are situated on the plain of Figeac, certainly one of the most renowned of the various terroirs of Saint-Émilion, located on the border of Libourne and Pomerol. The Pueyo brothers use traditional vineyard management methods with limited use of chemicals. A team of workers goes through the vineyard in the summer to pull leaves for better aeration and exposure of the grapes. This time consuming task ensures better ripening and helps in disease prevention. The harvest is, of course, done manually." |