History & Terroir
Château Montus, established in the early 1990s by the visionary Alain Brumont, brought Tannat to international acclaim. Nestled on the rolling hills of Madiran in the Pyrenean foothills, the estate benefits from a unique microclimate—warm days, cool nights and well-drained clay-limestone soils—that encourages slow, even ripening of the intensely tannic Tannat grapes.
Winemaking Process
For the Cuvée Prestige, the 2002 harvest was hand-picked, sorted berry by berry, and de-stemmed before a 30-day maceration in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. After malolactic fermentation, the wine matured for 15 months in new French oak barrels, gaining harmonized spice, vanilla and toasted notes.
Tasting Profile
Deep garnet in the glass, the 2002 Cuvée Prestige exudes aromas of blackcurrant, bramble, licorice and baking spice. On the palate, robust yet refined tannins frame flavors of blackberry compote, dark chocolate and graphite, lifted by lingering hints of cedar and violets. The finish is long, structured and incredibly persistent.
Cellaring & Food Pairing
While approachable now with decanting, this Madiran has the backbone to age gracefully for another 10–15 years. Serve at 16–18 °C alongside hearty fare: cassoulet, roast lamb with rosemary or mature blue cheeses.
