Mondotte, Chateau La
Summary
Château La Mondotte is a boutique 4.5-hectare estate in Saint-Émilion's eastern limestone plateau, owned by the von Neipperg family and producing a single, powerful wine from predominantly Merlot vines averaging over 50 years old. The property's microscopic production of 10,000-12,000 bottles annually undergoes meticulous hand harvesting and extended oak aging, helping elevate this once-obscure vineyard to Premier Grand Cru Classé B status in 2012.
Heritage & Leadership
Chateau La Mondotte is a distinguished wine estate located in the Saint-Émilion appellation of Bordeaux, France. While the property has historical roots extending back several centuries, it emerged as a separate estate in the modern era after being split from larger holdings. The estate gained significant prominence during the 1990s when it began producing highly acclaimed wines.
The von Neipperg family, specifically Count Stephan von Neipperg, owns Chateau La Mondotte. Stephan von Neipperg assumed control of the family's Bordeaux properties in the 1980s and has been instrumental in elevating La Mondotte's reputation. Under his leadership, the estate achieved a remarkable milestone in 2012 when it was classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé B in the Saint-Émilion classification—particularly noteworthy as the property had not been classified prior to this designation.
The von Neipperg family's wine portfolio extends beyond La Mondotte to include other prestigious Saint-Émilion estates, notably Château Canon La Gaffelière and Clos de l'Oratoire. La Mondotte benefits from the same technical team that manages the family's other properties, ensuring consistent quality across their holdings.
Vineyards & Wines
Chateau La Mondotte encompasses approximately 4.5 hectares (about 11 acres) of vineyards situated on the eastern limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion, near the village of Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes. This exceptional terroir features clay-limestone soils that provide ideal growing conditions for the estate's vines, which have an average age of over 50 years.
The vineyard is predominantly planted with Merlot, comprising approximately 75% of the total plantings, with Cabernet Franc making up the remaining 25%. This varietal composition is perfectly suited to the estate's soil composition and microclimate.
La Mondotte produces a single, highly regarded red wine known for its concentration, power, and aging potential. Annual production is limited, typically around 10,000-12,000 bottles per year, contributing to the wine's exclusivity in the market. The limited production reflects the estate's commitment to quality over quantity, with low yields and rigorous selection processes ensuring only the finest grapes are used in the final blend.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking philosophy at Chateau La Mondotte centers on expressing the unique characteristics of its terroir while maintaining the highest quality standards. The estate practices low yields and implements rigorous selection processes to ensure only the finest grapes make it into the final wine.
Harvesting at La Mondotte is performed by hand, with careful sorting of grapes to maintain quality standards. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vats, allowing for precise control over the winemaking process. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes aging in a high percentage of new French oak barrels, typically for a period of 18-24 months before bottling.
Under the von Neipperg family's stewardship, La Mondotte has increasingly incorporated sustainable and organic farming practices into its vineyard management. This approach reflects a broader commitment to environmental responsibility while maintaining the exceptional quality for which the estate is known.
The meticulous attention to detail in both vineyard management and winemaking has established Chateau La Mondotte as one of Saint-Émilion's most respected properties, producing wines that authentically reflect their distinguished terroir.