The Producer
Located on the heights of Chavanay, in the heart of the territory of the great wines of the Northern Rhône Valley, the Domaine du Monteillet has been owned by the Montez family since the 17th century. Eight generations of winemakers have succeeded one another, each contributing to the reputation of the estate. Since the late 1990s, it has been Stéphane Montez who has been in charge, after enriching his know-how by vinifying in Australia, California, and South Africa.
The estate covers about 40 hectares spread across several prestigious appellations: Condrieu, Saint-Joseph, Côte-Rôtie, and Vin de Pays. The terroir is mainly composed of steep hillsides, shaped into terraces, with granite soils that give the wines a remarkable mineral tension. The exposure of the vines and the mastery of manual work allow for demanding and precise viticulture.
Today, Stéphane Montez perpetuates the family legacy while infusing it with contemporary energy. He practices sustainable viticulture, limits yields, and creates cuvées that fully express the richness of the Rhône terroir. The whites are of great finesse, particularly in Condrieu, while the reds reveal power and elegance, with long and careful aging.
The Wine
The vines of this pure Syrah come from a rented plot across from the estate on the other side of the Rhône on the left bank, with here a terrace of rolled pebbles from the Rhône that, heated by the sun, diffuse a gentle warmth at night, favoring the concentration and ripeness of the grapes + 1 granitic plot next to the estate.
Terroir: Light soils of granite and rolled pebbles.
Vinification: 60% destemmed, 40% whole bunch.
Pre-fermentation maceration for one week, then maceration for 3 weeks using the old technique of submerged cap.
Long and gradual fermentation without temperature control.
Pneumatic pressing at low pressure to avoid bursting the seeds.
Aging: 15 months in demi-muids of French oak.
Tasting
Wine of ruby red color with violet reflections.
Nose of pepper, licorice, red fruits.
The palate is powerful, dense, and tannic.
Serving temperature: 17° C
Aging potential: 2 to 5 years.
Food and wine pairing: cold cuts, grilled meats, rabbit stew, cheeses.