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Château Montlau Winery Guide
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Last updated: January 14, 2024
Winery Overview
This elegant, beautiful Château (castle would be a better description) could not have wished for a better location. Perched on a hill with spectacular views across the Dordogne River, Montlau is on the doorstep of the famous region of Saint-Emilion, the perfect base for exploring! The castle grounds are stunning; with picturesque gardens and immaculately groomed horses, you might occasionally see the owners taking a stroll! Located in the Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux, Montlau may not be positioned in the most exalted area of the district, but that scarcely matters with such a fairy tale experience to offer visitors. Oh, and not forgetting, they make rather good wines too!
Montlau has an ancient history, one of the oldest in the area. The origins of the property date back to when the Romans were in town, as they planted the first vines in Bordeaux. The ancestor of the estate was built on terraces around 850 AD, where one of the original towers still exists. The castle was ‘modernized’ several times throughout the ages; the English left their mark when they ruled Bordeaux in the 15th century. Wine was first made here in 1473, and the operation was expanded in 1667. What we see today was built in 1763 and has hardly changed since. They survived the French Revolution, World Wars, and the recession to emerge stronger than ever!
The estate’s modern history began 40 years ago, when a Swiss aristocrat, Armand Schuster de Ballwil Sen Fontblanche, brought the property and decided to continue its legacy. His competent son, Armand Jr, makes the wines, while Armand and his wife, Elizabeth, run the estate and always welcome visitors! Montlau makes a wide variety of fantastic wines, from red to sparkling, and they consistently impress those who taste them. Their strength is their balanced outlook; the owners merge modern ideas of wine-making with ancient traditions. The cellar was created in the 1830s, and they still use the original wine-making equipment, antique presses, and pumps. A museum cellar indeed, but not a shadow of its former self. Montlau produces some of the best wines in the region and also offers high-quality hospitality. Contact us for information on unique wine lunches here, overlooking the Dordogne River in a fairy tale setting.
Wines produced
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Montlau (Grand Vin, Red)
66% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Franc, 14 months in oak merrain barrels. -
FontBlanche
70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, 6 months in concrete vats. -
Montlau Entre Deux Mers (Grand Vin, White)
15% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Semillon, 55% Muscadelle, 1 month in concrete vats. -
Montlau – Hors Serie (Second red wine of the property)
70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 14 months in oak merrain barrels. Less power and concentration than the first wine. -
Favory Cremant de Bordeaux (White Sparkling Wine)
65% Semillon, 35% Muscadelle, 1 month in concrete vats.
Winery Contact Details
Château Montlau
Moulon33420 Bordeaux
France
Email: [email protected]
Tel +33 (0) 557 84 50 71
Fax +33 (0) 557 84 64 65 Find out more
Facts & Figures
Appellation
AOC Bordeaux Superieur
Founded
1473
Area under Vine
28 ha
Age of vines
25 years+
Oak barrel origin
French
Winemaker
Armand Schuster de Ballwil Jr
Owner
Schuster de Ballwil family
Production
175,000 bottles
Grape varietals
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle
Grape Varieties Used by the Winery
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Muscadelle
Muscadelle is a white grape varietal, primarily used for blending in the production of sweet white wines in the Bordeaux region.
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Sauvignon Blanc
The sauvignon blanc grape varietal, originally from the Bordeaux region of France, is now one of the world's most loved white varieties.
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Semillon
Explore the allure of the Semillon grape & its legendary connection to Sauternes. Unveil the history & flavors of this captivating varietal. Cheers!
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Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc grape is a close relative of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and is the principal blending grape used in Bordeaux.
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Malbec
Delve into Malbec, a dark, small grape native to France, cherished for its thick skin and exceptional flavors. 🍇🍷
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Merlot
Merlot is the most cultivated grape in Bordeaux and closely related to Cabernet Franc
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Winery Appellations
Author
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More information
If you would like us to customize an exclusive luxury tour, contact us and let us know your travel plans. We offer luxury food and wine tours for private groups of a mininium two guests. In addition, all of our private, chauffeured tours are available year-round upon request.
