Domaine de Montille is a storied estate in Burgundy, known for its dedication to traditional and terroir-driven winemaking. Established in 1730, the domaine has been family-run for generations, currently overseen by Etienne de Montille. The estate is noted for producing wines that are both elegant and long-lived, with a focus on maintaining the distinct characteristics of each vineyard.
The domaine has been a pioneer in sustainable viticulture. They have been practicing organic farming since 1995 and fully converted to biodynamic practices by 2005. These methods include the use of natural preparations like the biodynamic preparation 500, which involves burying cow horns filled with manure in the soil to enhance microbial life. This approach ensures the health and vitality of the vineyards, promoting biodiversity and reducing the need for synthetic chemicals
Domaine de Montille’s holdings are spread across some of the most prestigious appellations in Burgundy, including Pommard, Volnay, and Vosne-Romanée. One of their standout plots is in the Vosne-Romanée Les Malconsorts vineyard. This vineyard is particularly renowned for producing two cuvées: a regular Malconsorts and the special Cuvée Christiane, named after Etienne’s mother. The latter is made from a unique 0.4765-hectare plot adjacent to La Tâche, offering exceptional complexity and depth.
In addition to Vosne-Romanée, Domaine de Montille has significant holdings in the Corton hill area, producing both red and white wines. Notably, they produce a Corton-Charlemagne from the Corton Pougets climat and a red Corton from Clos du Roi. These vineyards were acquired in 2005, further expanding the estate’s impressive portfolio
The winemaking approach at Domaine de Montille is characterized by minimal intervention, allowing the terroir to express itself fully. The wines are typically aged in French oak barrels, with a restrained use of new oak to avoid overpowering the wine’s natural flavors. This philosophy results in wines that are nuanced, refined, and capable of aging gracefully over many years.
