La Mondotte

History

The history of Château La Mondotte dates back to the begining of  the XIX^th century. The editions Cocks-Féret even mention it in their second edition in 1868. It was thus never created in 1996 as the rumor states… During the revision of the classification of Saint-Emilion in 1996, after the demand of the wines Commission, la Mondotte needed to dispose of its own installations. Until then, the wine was vinified and aged in a different place, located at Château Canon La Gaffelière. Many investments had to be made to fulfill this demand for only 4.5 hectares. In 1996, the château La Mondotte thus becomes La Mondotte and leaves the shadow of Château Canon La Gaffelière and Clos de l’Oratoire. Celebrated by the press, that vintage was a success. The quick worldwide fame confirmed the rightness of Stephan Von Neipperg’s bet.

Terroir & Vinification

The vineyard of Château La Mondotte is located on the east plateau of Saint-Emilion. Close to Troplong-Mondot, this 4.5 hectares terroir is a real jewel. This exceptional soil was granted all the natural assets needed for the elaboration of a great wine. Noble grape varieties composed of old vines, roughly 50 years old, are planted at 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc. Each year, the maturation of the grapes, in particular the Merlot, operate in great conditions. The management of the vineyard is inspired by biodynamic principles. Stephan Neipperg’s philosophy applied to the first crus was copied for La Mondotte.

The little prune was a perfect place for experimentations at the time. This little terroir, well located, had great potential. The alcoholic fermentation and maceration are led in wooden tanks so the wine can develop all its color and taste potential. Each tank is treated depending on its characteristics; the cap is punched very slowly so the seeds can open slowly. Then, the vinification is done in thermo-regulated wooden tanks. The extractions are long, but their low temperatures of extraction compensate the long maceration that change depending on the vintages. Very concerned by sustainability, Stephan Von Neipperg’s investments and efforts were awarded when the vineyard was certified Organic Agriculture by FR-BIO-10.

Tasting

At the tasting, this wine is deep and charming. The mouth is smooth. It is a round and supple wine, very seductive by its strong fruit aromas and its intense red color. The Merlot gives freshness whereas the Cabernet Franc offers aromatic complexity and lenghth.

Their Team

• Owners: Comtes VON NEIPPERG
• Manager: Comte Stephan VON NEIPPERG
• Technical Manager: Gaëlle BARBEREAU
• Cellar Manager : Yannick DAROUY
• Oenologist: Stéphane DERENONCOURT