An 8.5 hectare property that was established in 1986 when renowned husband and wife oenologists Michel and Dany Rolland purchased several neighbouring vineyard plots in Fronsac in the Libournaise. Fontenil was the lieu-dit of one of these plots and became the name for the new estate. It is situated in the commune of Saillans and overlooks the River Isle and the picturesque town of Libourne. The vineyards (85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon) are predominantly south-facing and planted on soils rich in sandstone, limestone and clay.

The grapes are hand harvested at optimum ripeness and are totally destemmed before being fermented in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged in oak barriques (75% new) for 18 months. It is bottled unfiltered.