Tasting Notes for Chateau Jean Faux Les Sources from the Winery

Very refined on the nose with fresh ripe red fruit, and a little sweet spice. Bright and crisp. In the mouth crunchy red fruit followed by a velvety, tasty and juicy mid-palate. Tannins are grainy and ripe. Surprising freshness and overall warmth with excellent lengthand an elegant and juicy finish.

The Landscape

A secret so close to Saint Emilion… The village of Sainte Radegonde is situated on the southern bank of the Dordogne river, on slopes facing Saint Emilion and Castillon. Following the left bank of the Dordogne, one goes from fields to hillsides, from plateaus to valleys. Small churches, fortified towns, castles and strongholds all recall the rich history of this unknown part of the Bordeaux region.

The Place

Jean Faux is a building steeped in history. Renovated in the 17th century, the foundations are much older. The name comes undoubtedly, from one of its proprietors, Ezéchiel du Mas, Count of Melac, child of Sainte Radegonde and general to Louis XIV, was one of the most famous. On the right bank of the stream that flows down from Sainte Radegonde, the stately manor house stands in moderate proportion and sober style. The park, cave, ponds, gardens and orangery give the estate a bucolic charm. In the same family for many years, the estate originally stretched over 100 hectares of which 30 were planted with vines. The Féret guide of 1886, notes that, “Ch.-de-Jean Faux” is the first local proprietor with a production of “120 tonneaux de rouge”.

A Heritage

Chateau Jean Faux is now owned by Chrystel and Pascal Collotte. Chrystel originates from a village close by Sainte Radegonde; she feels she has returned to her roots. Pascal, who wanted to be a viticulturalist, dreamed of a property with unquestionable charm and a perfect soil for vines. In 2002 they bought the house and estate of 45 hectares with 1,5 hectares planted with vines. In a matter of years, things radically changed at Jean Faux. The instructions to the builders were: “when you leave we want it to be as if you had never been here”. The renovation has preserved all the buildings, with the main house keeping its large square pavilion surrounding the inner courtyard on three sides.

A Way of Life

A barrel maker before becoming a vine-grower, Pascal Collotte has travelled the world visiting hundreds of cellars. What was more logical than wishing to finally “settle down” and become a vintner… Château Jean Faux, in this secret corner of the Bordeaux region is a dream world for Pascal and his family. Here, a wonderful lifestyle is possible wearing the different hats of viticulturalist, gardener and “bon-vivant”.

A Land of Wine

In 2003, the intuition of Pascal Collotte and Stéphane Derenoncourt was confirmed through observation and analysis of the soil by the microbiologist Claude Bourguignon. The soils of Jean Faux are a key asset for the vine. Near Saint Emilion, the “terroir” is exceptional. It is principally composed of clay and limestone slopes with south to south west exposure.

A Garden of Vine

The organically certified vineyard covers over 12 hectares and is planted with 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. There are also 2 hectares of white varieties planted with 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Sèmillon. The average annual production is about 4500 cases. Stéphane Derenoncourt has been the estate consultant since 2003. Under his guidance, the estate follows vinicultural practices based on a “hands-on” observation and respect for nature.

A Hand-Crafted Wine

Simple technology at the service of a great Terroir… The grape picking is done plot by plot with a painstaking sorting of the berries, fermentation in small stainless steel or concrete tanks, malolactic fermentation and ageing in oak barrels. Simple hard work is more important than technology and the certified organic wine reflects the terrior perfectly.

(SKU: CJ_LS_CV)