Chateau MontlandrieProducer from Bordeaux, France

Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux

Château Montlandrie, located in the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellation on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, is an up-and-coming estate that has garnered attention for producing wines with remarkable quality and excellent value. Owned by Denis Durantou, the highly regarded winemaker behind the legendary Château L’Église Clinet in Pomerol, Château Montlandrie reflects the same dedication to terroir-driven wines that have earned Durantou’s estates widespread acclaim. Since its acquisition in 2009, Montlandrie has risen as a top producer in the Côtes de Bordeaux.

History of Château Montlandrie

Château Montlandrie’s history dates back to the 19th century, though it remained relatively unknown until it was purchased by Denis Durantou in 2009. Durantou, already a celebrated figure in Bordeaux for his work at Château L’Église Clinet, saw the potential in Montlandrie’s vineyards to create a wine that reflected the rich terroir of Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux.

Under Durantou’s ownership, significant investments were made to modernize the estate and enhance vineyard management, improving the quality of the wines. While Château Montlandrie is a relatively young addition to Durantou’s portfolio, it has quickly gained recognition for its quality and represents one of the leading properties in the Castillon appellation.

Durantou’s passing in 2020 marked the end of an era, but the estate continues to flourish under the careful management of his family and winemaking team, who remain committed to producing wines that showcase the full potential of Montlandrie’s terroir.

Terroir of Château Montlandrie

Château Montlandrie is located in the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, an appellation situated to the east of Saint-Émilion. The vineyards of Montlandrie cover 12 hectares, planted on the limestone plateau of Castillon, which mirrors the terroir found in nearby Saint-Émilion. The soils are a mix of clay and limestone, providing excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture to support the vines during dry periods.

This clay-limestone terroir is ideal for Merlot, which thrives in these conditions and forms the backbone of the blend at Montlandrie. The vineyard is planted with 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, a blend that reflects Durantou’s preference for structured, age-worthy wines with bright acidity and freshness.

The vineyard’s elevation on the limestone plateau provides excellent sun exposure, allowing for optimal ripening of the grapes, while the cool nights help preserve the natural acidity, contributing to the balance and vibrancy of the wines.

Winemaking at Château Montlandrie

At Château Montlandrie, winemaking follows the same meticulous approach that Denis Durantou employed at his other estates. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo rigorous sorting to ensure only the best fruit is used. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled concrete vats, allowing for precise control over the extraction of tannins and flavours.

The wine is aged for 14 to 16 months in French oak barrels, with around 50% new oak used each year. This careful use of oak adds complexity to the wines without overpowering the fruit, imparting subtle notes of spice, vanilla, and toast. The winemaking team focuses on producing wines that are both structured and elegant, with the ability to age gracefully while remaining approachable in their youth.

Style of Wine Produced

Château Montlandrie produces medium to full-bodied wines with a strong emphasis on balance, freshness, and structure. The wines typically exhibit aromas of ripe red and black fruits, such as cherry, blackberry, and plum, alongside hints of graphite, herbs, and floral notes. On the palate, Montlandrie’s wines offer rich fruit flavours, fine tannins, and a bright acidity that provides lift and freshness.

Merlot dominates the blend, giving the wines their plush texture and fruit-forward character, while the Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon add structure, minerality, and depth. These wines are known for their vibrant energy and can age for a decade or more, developing greater complexity over time.