The wines of Figeac have gradually re-established their great reputation since the 1950s, not only because of renewed relations with wine brokers, but also thanks to new ways of communicating. These involve information about the estate and its wine, accessible to all. Having knowledge of where and how Bordeaux wines are produced is a fairly recent phenomenon among consumers, and even among wine merchants. In days gone by, only the brokers actually visited the vineyards, and even then, they were usually only allowed access the cellars.

Thierry Manoncourt was one of the first château owners in Bordeaux to open his cellars not only to wine professionals, but also to wine lovers. This was an important factor in the way new buildings were designed, in the way the cellars were lit, and the use of glass or wrought iron doors instead of traditional wooden doors to let visitors have a look.

Furthermore, M. Manoncourt offers a free tasting of Figeac to all visitors. Although this sort of welcome is now widespread, and contributes to regional tourist development, there are very few estates which offer visitors tastings of vintages nearly 10 years old in order to show them the qualities of a fine, aged wine.

Promotion away from the château

Promoting Château Figeac calls for numerous public relations operations. These are looked after by Thierry and Marie-France Manoncourt. The purpose is to enable wine lovers, sommeliers, collectors, journalists and shippers to become better acquainted with Château Figeac.

This promotion makes it easier for the Bordeaux wine trade to sell the wine, and paves the way for future development. M. Manoncourt's first trip to the United States goes back nearly 40 years. This was during the first delegation of prestigious château owners, led by Jacques Chaban-Delmas, Mayor of Bordeaux and former Prime Minister of France. Thierry Manoncourt first made presentations about Bordeaux wine in Japan 30 years ago. He is currently fascinated by opportunities in Eastern Europe. For him, educating the consumer is all part of increasing sales.

We can thank Thierry and Marie-France Manoncourt for the slow, but steady renaissance of Château Figeac's reputation. This reputation is borne out by blind tastings involving the very finest wines of Bordeaux. The château's excellent results have a tendency to upset official classifications and hierarchies...