Bruno Fontana
France
Bruno's Wines
- France
- 1 wine
- 1 style
His backyard is famous St. Émilion - and his home is classic Bordeaux
Bruno was born into a Bordeaux wine family, so Bordeaux has been in his heart and soul since day 1. Traditions run strong – when he and his brothers finished school, they returned to the family estate and never left.
Bruno’s parents assumed ownership of their first estate in 1950. Since then, the Fontanas have acquired 14 estates across Bordeaux – including Château Clou du Pin in 1991 (on the hillsides of the Gironde only about 10 miles from famous St. Émilion!) – where Merlot is king. All of the estates are lovingly tended to by Bruno and his family.
With Angels in his corner, Château Clou du Pin and the other estates will not only survive, but thrive. Your support ensures the Fontanas’ place in Bordeaux winemaking history.
Bruno Fontana's Story
Over the course of the past century, the Fontana family has acquired 14 estates across Bordeaux.
In 1934, Bruno’s grandparents arrived in France from Italy during the wave of Italian immigration. His parents assumed ownership of a vineyard estate in 1950 – and the rest is Bordeaux history.
In 1991, Bruno’s parents bought the famed Château Clou du Pin in Gensac – on the high hillsides of the Gironde, only about 10 miles from famous St. Émilion – which dates back to the 19th century and now encompasses nearly 750 acres (300 hectares). Here Merlot is king, where it flourishes in clay-limestone soils.
Bruno and his brothers – the 3rd generation fondly nicknamed the “Fontana Clan” – work together along with nieces and nephews and other family members to continue the family business. “What I love most is working the land and transforming grapes into wine while respecting our traditions,” said Bruno.
Château Clou du Pin Bordeaux Supérieur is a special wine because Bruno and his family work the vineyards with utmost respect for the environment. They invest in new tools and equipment every year to maintain superior quality. He and his family have chosen to till the soil with traditional tools like plows. They also renew their tractors regularly to have clean energy equipment. The vineyard is HVE3 (High Environmental Value) certified since January 1, 2020.
Bruno decided to partner with Naked Wines to offer more American wine drinkers a taste of classic, Merlot-based Bordeaux priced for everyday enjoyment. ”I hope to produce a wine you like – and hope you’ll taste the passion and heart my family and I put into our wine,” he shared.
Bruno’s ultimate goal is to continue what his parents started – with Angel support. ”My father devoted himself to the vineyards to pass them on to my brothers and me,” he said. “Our greatest joy is to work as a family. The death of my parents was the hardest for us to overcome. But we will persevere in their honor.”
