Chateau MontroseProducer from Bordeaux, France

Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux

Bordeaux 1855 Classification: Second Growth

Château Montrose, a distinguished Second Growth estate in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux, is renowned for producing wines of exceptional power, structure, and longevity. Often referred to as the "Latour of Saint-Estèphe" due to its robust and age-worthy wines, Montrose has established itself as one of the leading estates in Bordeaux. With a history that dates back over two centuries and a unique terroir that sets it apart, Château Montrose continues to captivate wine lovers and critics alike with its unwavering commitment to quality.

History of Château Montrose

The history of Château Montrose begins in 1778 when Etienne Théodore Dumoulin inherited the land where the estate now stands. At that time, the area was known as "Lande de l’Escargeon" and was mostly uncultivated. Recognizing the potential of the land for viticulture, Dumoulin began planting vineyards, and by 1815, the estate was established under the name Montrose. The name "Montrose" is believed to derive from the pinkish hue of the heather that once covered the hillside.

Montrose quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality wines, and by the time of the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, it was ranked as a Second Growth, solidifying its status as one of the top estates in Bordeaux. The estate changed hands several times throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, each owner contributing to its development and success. Notably, in 1896, the Charmolüe family took over the estate and managed it for nearly a century, during which time Montrose became known for its consistent quality and distinctive style.

In 2006, Château Montrose was acquired by Martin and Olivier Bouygues, who have since invested heavily in the estate, modernizing the winery and vineyard management practices while preserving the estate’s traditional methods. Under the direction of the Bouygues family, Montrose has continued to enhance its reputation, producing wines that are revered for their concentration, elegance, and ability to age for decades.

The Terroir of Château Montrose

The terroir of Château Montrose is one of the key factors that contribute to the unique character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 95 hectares of vineyards are located on a gravelly plateau overlooking the Gironde estuary, which provides a natural microclimate that is ideal for viticulture. The gravel soils are interspersed with clay and limestone, providing excellent drainage and allowing the vines to root deeply, accessing essential nutrients and water. This combination of gravel and clay is particularly well-suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, which thrives in these conditions and forms the backbone of Montrose’s wines.

The vineyard is planted with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. This blend reflects Montrose’s commitment to capturing the essence of its terroir, with Cabernet Sauvignon providing structure and longevity, Merlot adding richness and roundness, and the other varieties contributing aromatic complexity and finesse.

The proximity of the vineyard to the Gironde estuary creates a unique microclimate that moderates temperatures and reduces the risk of frost, ensuring a long and even growing season. This terroir, combined with meticulous vineyard management, allows Château Montrose to produce wines that are both powerful and refined, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Château Montrose

Winemaking at Château Montrose is a meticulous process that emphasizes precision and attention to detail. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted to ensure that only the best fruit is used in the winemaking process. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel and concrete vats, allowing for precise control over the extraction of flavours and tannins.

The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for 18 to 20 months, with about 60% new oak used each year. This ageing process enhances the wines' complexity and depth, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavours to integrate harmoniously. The result is a wine that is both powerful and elegant, capable of developing greater complexity and nuance over time.