21368 customer reviews

Château Montus

4.2/5View all 744 reviews

Château Montus, located in the Southwest region, near the cities of Pau and Tarbes and facing the Pyrenees, is part of the Brumont vineyards, along with Châteaux Bouscassé. The entire vineyard comprising these two estates, Montus and Bouscassé, covers 180 hectares across the Madiran, Pacherenc du Vic Bilh, and Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne appellations.

Alain Brumont, at the head of the Montus Wines and Château Bouscassé, made numerous changes and succeeded in doing what no one had done before him: selecting the best plots for each grape variety, replanting the best grafts, doubling the number of vines per hectare to increase their potential tenfold, reducing yields, and tailoring the fermentation process to each grape variety. He was also the first in the appellation to age his wine in new barrels.

The Château Montus wines, and more broadly the Brumont brand, are now considered an up-and-coming, original, and promising label, thanks to its unique concept and style. With wines that improve every year, Alain Brumont’s ambition is no longer simply to remain in the “club” of the top 100 winemakers, but to compete among the top 20 or 30 winemakers in the world.

A Brief History of Montus Wines...

Château Montus, the heart of the Alain Brumont vineyards, comprises 180 hectares of vineyards. It is one of the icons of the Madiran appellation. Also known as the “Petrus of Madiran,” its Montus Prestige cuvée has established the château’s reputation. The estate is also known for its monumental underground cellar, built in 1995. So famous is this cellar that it has been dubbed the “Cathedral of Tannat,” where a total of 2,000 barrels lie in storage. The estate’s wines are regularly recognized by critics, who make a point of highlighting the exceptional elegance of Montus wines.

How are the estate's wines produced?

The production of Montus wines is a demanding process. Indeed, it requires meticulous attention to detail, patience, and a rigorous approach to achieve the exceptional flavor of these wines.

The winery’s flagship red wine is the Tyre. It is crafted from a 10-hectare plot of Tannat. Situated on a well-exposed slope, the soil of this plot consists entirely of rounded pebbles. Even more surprising, the subsoil of this land is composed of red clay. It is this unique soil that gives the red wine its distinctive flavor. The wine is aged in new oak barrels for 16 months. The winemaking process requires a great deal of patience and expertise. It is this patience that allows the wine to develop such depth of flavor. Over time, notes of mocha, leather, and tobacco leaf emerge. These exceptional notes give it a unique character. This wine comes from the vineyard’s finest terroirs.

A Brief History of Madiran...

The wines of Château Montus benefit from an exceptional terroir. This area is unique in southwestern France. It features a steep slope covered with large pebbles. This vineyard, ideal for wine production, was established in 1985. This wine leaves a lasting impression and surprises. Indeed, it has shaken up the hierarchy of legendary red wines. Numerous critics have dubbed this wine “the Pétrus of the Southwest.”

Where does Montus wine come from?

Montus wine is produced on steep slopes. These slopes consist of rounded pebbles. The ideal exposure for these plots is south or even southwest. The terroirs are generally well-drained and warm, ensuring that the vines ripen properly. The subsoil consists of layered brown and orange clays. Yields are very low, with 5–6 bunches per vine.

Winemaking and Aging of Montus Wines

The maceration process for this type of wine lasts a total of 3 to 6 weeks. This depends on the amount of sunlight the vineyards receive and on how ripe the grapes are. Fermentation should reach 28°C for optimal results. The vats where the grapes are placed for fermentation are made of wood. The wine is then aged on its lees for 12 to 14 months in barrels that are 60–80% new.

What should you pair with Montus wine?

This type of wine is perfect for sharing with all kinds of connoisseurs. Fans of fine wines will thoroughly enjoy tasting it. This wine is particularly ideal with a rib of beef, a rack of lamb, duck breast, game, or spicy dishes. It should be paired with dishes that have character—whether spicy or with a strong flavor.

For more information, visit the website at Montus

Wine estates recommended by