Montlandrie, Chateau
Summary
Château Montlandrie is a 12-hectare family estate in Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux run by the Durantou daughters, producing Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blends from clay-limestone soils on an elevated plateau adjacent to Saint-Emilion. The property combines traditional hand-harvesting with precise temperature-controlled fermentation and measured oak aging, delivering wines that consistently outperform their appellation's reputation and price point.
Heritage & Leadership
Chateau Montlandrie is situated in the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellation on Bordeaux's Right Bank. The property came under the ownership of Denis Durantou in the early 2000s, with sources indicating around 2009, marking a significant turning point in its development. Durantou, who simultaneously owned the respected Chateau L'Eglise Clinet in Pomerol, brought his winemaking expertise to this limestone-rich terroir.
Following Denis Durantou's passing in 2020, the estate transitioned to the management of his daughters, Noëmie and Constance Durantou, who continue to oversee operations at this Right Bank property. Under the Durantou family's guidance, Chateau Montlandrie has established itself as a noteworthy producer within the Castillon appellation.
Vineyards & Wines
Chateau Montlandrie encompasses approximately 12 hectares of vineyards positioned on the limestone plateau of Castillon, directly adjacent to Saint-Emilion. This elevated site provides favorable drainage and exposure conditions for viticulture. The terroir features clay-limestone soils that share geological characteristics with neighboring Saint-Emilion.
The vineyard composition reflects traditional Right Bank planting patterns, with Merlot dominating at 75% of the planted area. The remainder consists of approximately 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. This varietal mix allows the estate to produce wines that express the distinctive limestone influence of the site.
The property produces a single red wine under the Chateau Montlandrie label, classified within the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. This focused approach allows the estate to concentrate its efforts on maximizing quality from its specific terroir.
Philosophy & Practice
The viticultural approach at Chateau Montlandrie includes hand harvesting with careful sorting of the grapes to ensure only optimal fruit enters the winemaking process. This attention to detail continues in the cellar, where fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled tanks, allowing for precise management of the extraction process.
The estate's aging protocol involves French oak barrels, with approximately 30-40% new oak used in each vintage. This measured approach to oak influence aims to complement rather than overwhelm the fruit character and mineral expression from the limestone soils.
The winemaking philosophy established during Denis Durantou's tenure continues to guide production at Chateau Montlandrie, with traditional Bordeaux methods implemented alongside modern equipment to achieve consistency and quality. This balanced approach to both vineyard management and cellar work has helped establish the estate's reputation within the Castillon appellation.