With volatile stock markets and low interest rates, investors are increasingly turning to Bordeaux wines in lieu of stocks and bonds. Château-Figeac, with its chequered history and competitive pricing (particularly when purchasing en primeur), makes an ideal opportunity for all those looking to acquire something less traditional for trading.

Keen to obtain the coveted Grand Cru Classe A status, Château-Figeac has all the trappings of a Class A… A long and unsuccessful campaign to join the ranks of other Grand Cru As meant that Figeac had been pricing itself out of the market and losing focus for some time. However, the addition of Bordeaux-based oenologist, Michel Rolland in 2013 brought about new and exciting innovations, and critics agree that recent vintages are far more drinkable in terms of density and texture.

The change in management has not yet translated into bottle or case price. Rolland has effectively transformed the wine and his superior knowledge of extraordinary gravel terroir has resulted in a wine that is not only beautiful to drink but remains very reasonably priced.

It is likely that this estate will have its classification upgraded in the next 10 years, at which point the wine is likely to trade at more than €2,904 per case of 12, if it follows the same path, post-reclassification, of peers such as Château Pavie and L’Angelus (both vineyards gained entry into the Classe A grade when Rolland was at the helm). This comes as exciting news to many Bordeaux wine investors, and despite there being no certitude, the future is looking good.

Rolland’s arrival saw the Château begin a massive two-year renovation. With new cellars, two new vat rooms (one dedicated solely to research and development), an underground bottle cellar, a cold room for grape extraction plus many other innovations, under Rolland’s guidance Château-Figeac entered the serious wines playing field. The improvements have not gone unnoticed on the investment market, and the wine has been outperforming many other (including several Classe A grades) vintages from Bordeaux. Wines are recognised for their capacity to age for many years and are atypical of St Emilion wines, being closer to Medoc-style in taste. Critics refer to Figeac as "a right bank wine for fans of the left bank".