Château La Foret
Château La Forêt embodies the authenticity and passion of a family-run estate deeply rooted in its terroir. Its commitment to sustainable and environmentally respectful farming is reflected in its HVE 3 certification, ensuring responsible practices that promote biodiversity and soil preservation. The rose on the label symbolizes both the floral notes that lend elegance to the wine and the unique identity of the Lalande-de-Pomerol appellation. More than just a wine, Château La Forêt is an invitation to experience a story, a craftsmanship, and an emotion with every sip.
History
The history of Château La Forêt is, above all, a family adventure driven by a passion for wine and respect for the terroir. For three generations, the Champseix family has been dedicated to showcasing the aromatic richness and finesse of its vineyard in the AOC Lalande-de-Pomerol.
The journey began in 1921 with Martial Champseix, originally from Auvergne, who started in wine trading before fulfilling his dream of owning a 21-hectare vineyard on this prestigious terroir. His son Jean-Pierre, a history enthusiast, took over alongside his wife Gerharde and expanded the estate. Today, Michel, the third generation, continues this legacy, applying his expertise as an agricultural engineer and oenologist. Staying true to family values, he has further strengthened the estate’s environmental commitment by converting the entire vineyard to organic farming.
The Vineyard
Located in Néac, the vineyard of Château La Foret spans 13 hectares and benefits from an exceptional terroir, composed of clay-gravelly soils, clay-siliceous soils, and a sub-layer of “crasse de fer,” a distinctive element of the appellation. The grape varieties highlight the typicity of Lalande-de-Pomerol, with a predominance of Merlot (80%), complemented by 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. The average age of the vines—40 years—confers a beautiful complexity and remarkable depth to the wine. The estate adopts sustainable viticulture, with rigorous monitoring of grape maturity in each parcel and mechanical harvesting, enabling an optimal harvest.
Winemaking & Aging
Each parcel of the estate undergoes meticulous selection, with sorting on a table to ensure flawless quality. After complete destemming, fermentation takes place in thermoregulated concrete and stainless steel vats, with strict temperature control maintained at around 28°C. Two pump-overs per day ensure a delicate extraction of aromas and tannins, while a long maceration refines the wine’s structure. Aging lasts for 16 months in French oak barrels, 30% of which are renewed each year, to bring complexity and finesse to the wine. Before bottling, an egg-white fining is carried out after a preliminary test, guaranteeing perfect stability and optimal clarity.
Wine Character
Château La Foret expresses all the nobility of its terroir through an elegant and harmonious wine. Its deep color reveals a rich aromatic bouquet, interwoven with notes of ripe black fruits, wild berries, and delicate spices. On the palate, the attack is silky, supported by fine, well-integrated tannins. Barrel aging imparts subtle woody nuances, enhanced by a long and savory finish. This wine of character pairs wonderfully with red meats, sauced dishes, and aged cheeses.
