Troplong Mondot, Chateau
Summary
Château Troplong Mondot is a 43-hectare Premier Grand Cru Classé B estate in Saint-Émilion, producing Merlot-dominated wines from its elevated limestone plateau position at 110-120 meters above sea level. The estate combines traditional Right Bank winemaking with modern precision through its 2019 gravity-flow winery, where plot-by-plot vinification and 12-18 months of French oak aging yield wines that express their distinctive terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Troplong Mondot's recorded history in Saint-Émilion dates to the Valette family's acquisition in 1936. Raymond-Théodore Valette established the foundation for the estate's modern era, with his daughter Christine Valette-Pariente later taking the helm until 2014. A significant transition occurred in 2017 when the SCOR group acquired the property, appointing Aymeric de Gironde as CEO. Under his leadership, the château maintains its Premier Grand Cru Classé B classification, earned in 2006, after being a Grand Cru Classé since 1955, and confirmed in subsequent classifications.
Vineyards & Wines
The 43-hectare estate occupies a privileged position on Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau, reaching elevations between 110-120 meters above sea level. The vineyard composition reflects traditional Right Bank proportions: 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Vines average 30 years of age, benefiting from the plateau's distinctive terroir and exposure. The estate's position at one of Saint-Émilion's highest points provides optimal drainage and sun exposure for grape maturation.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Troplong Mondot emphasizes plot-by-plot vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. The grand vin ages in French oak barrels for 12-18 months, with the percentage of new oak adjusted according to vintage characteristics. The estate employs precision viticulture techniques, including detailed plot mapping and careful canopy management. Recent investments include a new gravity-flow winery, completed in 2019, designed to minimize grape manipulation during the winemaking process.