MONTRAVEL / CÔTES DE MONTRAVEL / HAUT-MONTRAVEL
‘In monte revelationem’: I had a revelation on the mountain…
The Montravel vines stand proud in the land of the humanist philosopher Michel Eyquem de Montaigne. With 3 appellations (Montravel, Côtes de Montravel, Haut-Montravel) and 4 colours (red, dry white, sweet and dessert), Montravel captures its terroir’s earthy freshness and finesse. As Montaigne said, ‘We do not drink, we kiss the glass, and wine gives us a caress’.
« In monte revelationem » : I had a revelation on the mountain…
What sets our winemakers apart is their open-minded and all-embracing vine growing tradition. They are honest, welcoming, and true to the humanist values that have shaped how Montravel winemakers live and work.
With their unwavering sense of community and togetherness, they are ready and raring for whatever the future holds with the next generation of winemakers joining their ranks.
each year
each year
History
The Haut-Montravel, Montravel Sec and Côtes de Montravel appellations have held AOC status (Designation of Controlled Origin) since 1937. The Montravel Rouge appellation joined the AOC list in 2001 with innovative specifications that have set the benchmark.
Terroir
There’s treasure to be found in Montravel’s subsoil! Nestled in the western part of the vineyard, its diversity provides the perfect terrain for white wine to come into its own whether it be dry, dessert or sweet. White grape varieties feel right at home on the boulbène* plateaux of flint and ‘iron dirt’.
(*a very fine, siliceous, compacted silt.)
Montravel Rouge has strict specifications, and its unique starfish limestone brings out its best side. Merlot, the main variety, combined with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, grows deep roots to draw trace elements and everything it needs to thrive from the soil.
Red AOP Montravel
Grape varietes : Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec
Typicity : The strict production requirements and at least 15 months of ageing impart this wine a smooth and dense structure, and a wide variety of wonderfully intense aromas ranging from deep blackcurrant to spices, undergrowth and leather. Lingering aftertaste. This is wine for laying down.
Dry AOP Montravel
Grape varieties : Sauvignon, Sémillon, Muscadelle
Typicity : This dry wine ages in vats or barrels and stands out for its unique earthiness and wonderfully intense aromas. Premium cuvées age in barrels and combine complexity with richness and density.
AOP Côtes de Montravel
Grape varieties : Sauvignon, Sémillon, Muscadelle
Typicity : The grapes are picked when over-ripe. This sweet wine has its own signature balance of smooth yet aromatic freshness that lingers right to the finish.
AOP Haut-Montravel
Grape Varieties : Sauvignon, Sémillon, Muscadelle
Typicity : This famous dessert wine is produced from grapes with noble rot that are picked in stages. No added sugar is allowed. It’s an aromatic ball for the nose revealing notes of gingerbread, fruit and candied citrus peel.