| Region of Production: | Saint-Émilion AOP |
| Winery Location: | Saint-Émilion |
| Year Established: | 19th century |
| Classification: | Premier Grand Cru Classé B |
Vineyard Holdings
4.5 ha
- 75% Merlot
- 25% Cabernet Franc
Top Wines Produced & Inaugural Vintages
- La Mondotte, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru: Grand vin. 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc (2015 vintage). Fermented in wooden vats. Aged for 18 months in 100% new oak barrels.
Average Total Production
- 12,000 bottles
Summary
When Joseph-Hubert von Neipperg purchased Château La Mondotte in 1971, the 19th-century estate had hardly any recognition, but it would eventually become the core of his collection of Bordeaux estates. His son Stephan, who manages and now owns the property, had wanted to merge the vineyard into Canon La Gaffelière, which his family also owned. The government prohibited such action, as Château La Mondotte didn’t possess premier grand cru status and held a lackluster history for ripening its fruit. The von Neippergs changed the estate’s direction in 1996, rebranding the small-production wine as simply La Mondotte (sans “Château”). La Mondotte would come to symbolize the success of the garagistemovement, skyrocketing in price, and eventually achieving premier grand cru classé B classification in 2012. The vineyard has been certified organic since 2014.
Style & Vinification Techniques
La Mondotte offers a ripe and opulent expression of Saint-Émilion that benefits from at least a decade of aging. The vines are grown on clay and silt soils, with limestone deposits. Berries are fermented whole, without crushing, in temperature-controlled wooden tanks. After a slow, month-long fermentation, with frequent punchdowns, the wine is aged for 18 months on its fine lees in new barriques.
Producer Website: La Mondotte