The domaine du Monteillet has belonged to the Villard family for no less than 5 centuries and nine generations! The family’s most well-known member is Louis Hector, duke of Villard and Louis XIV’s Marshall of France (1653-1734). Stéphane Montez has been running the property since 1997, having travelled the world to work in all sorts of different vineyards. His experience in the four corners of the world allowed him to develop new techniques in the family property and to respond to potential climatic difficulties. The vineyard is spread over 14 hectares and three appellations (Côte Rôtie, Saint-Joseph, Condrieu).

The Cornas appellation lies on the right bank of the Rhône, at the southern end of the Northern Rhône Valley. Its terroir is defined by granitic and metamorphic soils, which ensure good drainage and promote optimal ripening conditions. The estate’s vines are planted on steep terraced slopes supported by dry-stone walls known locally as chaillées, with south and south-east-facing exposures. In the winery, the partially destemmed fruit undergoes a long maceration, punctuated by regular punch-downs. Fermentation lasts 13 days, allowing for gentle extraction of aromatics and tannins. The wine is then aged in vat to preserve fruit purity and the mineral expression of the terroir.
In the glass, the wine shows an intense, bright ruby hue. The nose delivers aromas of red and black fruit lifted by floral notes with subtle spice tones. On the palate, a clean attack leads into fine, well-integrated tannins supported by bright acidity, carrying through to a fresh, persistent finish.