Domaine Montrose
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Country of Origin: France
Location: Côtes de Thongue, Languedoc
People: Bernard & Olivier Coste, Owners | Michel Le Goaec, Winemaker
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Domaine Montrose was founded in 1701 when Joseph Alazard received his three lizards family crest. Family owned since then, Bernard Coste is the 8th generation in charge of Domaine Montrose. His son Olivier joined him in 2009. Together, they utilize 300 years of history and tradition to produce wines of elegance and excellence. As a tribute to their ancestor, the three lizards appear on all Montrose bottles.
Domaine Montrose is located in Côtes de Thongue, in the Languedoc region, just a few kilometers from Pézenas and the Mediterranean Sea. Côtes de Thongue is a small appellation made up of about fifty producers. Fun Fact: the producers of this wine appellation have declined the official AOC certification in order to ensure their freedom to produce wines of their liking. This appellation has a Mediterranean climate: cold and dry winter, hot and dry summer, humid spring and fall. Montrose vines are grown on soils that are typical for this appellation: Villafranchian terraces (small round pebbles), clay-limestone, and basalt.
Domaine Montrose has 80 hectares of vines, grouped together around the estate. The estate is named after its location, on a volcano (mont) and after the pink-blossomed (rose) almond trees bordering the property. Even today, a lane of almond trees still leads to the estate, and others grow on the slopes between the vines.
Both Bernard and Olivier Coste live on the estate. During the harvest, where all the efforts of a whole year can be dashed in a single momentary lapse of concentration, this is essential and one of their strengths. Throughout the year, they continually improve every aspect of their property and ensure a healthy environment. Committed to protecting the biodiversity of its vineyards, they planted 21 different species of Mediterranean trees and now have 1,053 trees on the property. These trees and their ecosystem help the healthy management of the vineyards. In addition, grape marc is added to the soil to lighten and nourish it. Mechanical tools are used to remove any weeds. Pheromone dispensers, rather than chemical treatments, prevent worms from attacking the grapes. Strips of grass are left to grow in and around the vines to allow plant and animal life to develop.
The elegance and authenticity of Montrose wines are the result of the harmonious balance between the diversity of its soil, the benefits of the Mediterranean climate and the know-how acquired by the Coste family from one generation to the next over 300 years.