Dazzled!
That’s how I came out of the visit of the Château Troplong Mondot (Saint Emilion 1er Grand Cru Classé)
Property posed proudly on the hill of Mondot, overlooking Saint Emilion and its vineyards, it was built in the 18th century (1745) by the family De Seze. Family of wealthy landowners in the region, particularly known to Raymond de Seze, young magistrate, assistant alongside M. Tronchet and M. Malesherbes, the defense of Louis XVI. He was also appointed in 1815, President of the Court of Cassation and Peer of France.
In 1850 the property was purchased by Mr. Raymond Troplong. Thanks to him this vineyard acquired such acclaim and entered in 1868 in the Feret in second place of Saint Emilion.
In 1980 the family Valette (Pariente now become family, marriage) comes into possession of this property. They will launch major renovation / modernization of buildings, but also the winery and vineyards surround recognized professionals in the wine world as the oenologist Michel Rolland …. This policy will effect since 2006 the property will be promoted ‘first Grand Cru Saint-Emilion “.
I had the chance to meet the master of the cellars, Jean Pierre Taleyson. Passionate about his job he describes as “taking, passionate, meticulous, hard, but so beautiful.”
But also as a business adaptation. Indeed we must adapt the work, as well as the wine cellars depending on weather of the year but also able to anticipate changes due to climate warming that knows our area.
What is sought in the creation of wine? Naturally a wine that reflects the delicacy of this exceptional land but also corresponds to the tastes of the current team.
Finesse, elegance and subtlety of the tannins but also usability are the watchwords of this property of exceptional.
Some features:
– 33 hectares of which 28ha of vines
– Blend of wine: 86% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc
– Vinification in stainless steel
– Soil: clay and limestone dominated, in some plots: calcareous clay-loam or even flint
– Two wines: Château Troplong Mondot (first wine) and Chateau Mondot (2nd wine)
– The ageing of the first wine: 85% in new barrels, 15% in barrels of wine
– The 2nd wine comes from the wine press (wine obtained by pressing the marc filled tank), a majority of Cabernet (60% Cabernet and 40% Merlot). Ageing takes place during 14mois in barrels, of which 80% new and 20% of a wine.
– Practice an agriculture that could be described as “reasonable” instead of weed killer, setting up fences to protect the vines from weather and diseases.
For the anecdote, don’t be surprised if by going to the property you see a workhorse among the vines instead of a tractor. You’re not dreaming! Parienté family in order to respect its environment is increasingly using techniques more environmentally friendly.
Well ! why the horse, but whose interests? Being much “lighter” than a tractor and its weight is better distributed on the ground, the horse avoids soil compaction but also much less CO2 release into the environment.
Side tasting:
If I were to summarize this moment I would say “a moment of infinite sweetness, delicacy and finesse in just 4cl”
Nice deep color, ruby …. The nose of spice, vegetable …. In the mouth this divine nectar reveals notes of red berries, black berries and a delicate …. evolves towards aromas of tobacco, animal notes …. complemented by a lovely minerality and perfect balance …. To finish on a majestic note blackcurrant, blackberry …. A real treat this vintage 2006
If I had to combine the nectar I would be happy with game, a recipe such as a medallion of venison with blueberries shallots.
Quick Tip of the Day: The Chateau Troplong Mondot opened a service bed and breakfast called “Les Belles Perdrix.”
Where does this name come from? It was the name of a famous female intellectual circle of the 1920s.
It will serve cuisine prepared with fresh produce from their garden, the orchard and the barn …. All this cooked by a chef working exclusively for the Chateau … rather atypical features but very attractive.
Beautiful stone building decorated in a provincial style … calm … nature …. good food … what more?!
So advice to lovers looking for a romantic weekend with views of Saint-Emilion and its vineyard 😉
Thanks to all the team for their hospitality and especially to Myriam Ruer and Jean Pierre Taleyson
Small information of the week: Friday, March 30 to 20h, the BU wine bar will be my first tasting. You will have the opportunity to meet and taste the white wines of four Aquitaine producers. Feel free to come 😉
The new website is available: www.vertdevin.com
Jonathan
Château Troplong Mondot
+33 (0)5 57 55 32 05
Bordeaux Wines 