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).

Cuvée du Papy was born in 1989 when Antoine, the father of current owner Stéphane, became a papy (grandfather). This wine is a selection of the best slopes, most beautiful vines and most beautiful grapes. It is produced from old Syrah vines grown in granitic soils. The grapes are sorted on tables and destemmed. Cold maceration lasts one week, and is performed without yeasting. Punch-downs and pump-overs are conducted daily for 3-4 weeks. The fermentation is long, and pressing is carried out at low pneumatic pressure in order not to burst the seeds. The wine is then matured in demi-muid barrels; some new, some used once or twice before. This wine can easily be kept for 20 years, and reveals itself with intensity (red berries, violets, spice, liquorice, vanilla) and elegance. The tannins are prominent, and mellow with time.