History
Château Troplong Mondot has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when it was owned by Abbe Raymond de Seze. The iconic château was constructed in 1745 under de Seze's careful eye, showcasing his prominence in the Bordeaux wine community. By 1850, the estate fell into the hands of Raymond Troplong, who combined his name with the property to create Château Troplong Mondot. Over the years, the estate changed ownership, passing through notable figures such as Georges Thienpont and Alexander Valette. In 1936, it became family-owned, remaining so until 2017.
Christine Valette took over the management in 1980, introducing significant changes. She shifted from machine to hand harvesting, reduced yields, and removed Malbec vines. The introduction of double Guyot pruning and stainless steel vats further enhanced the winemaking process. Collaborations with renowned consultants like Michel Rolland and Jean-Philippe Fort also improved the wines. The estate was promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé in 2006. After Christine Valette's passing in 2014, Xavier Pariente continued her legacy until the property was sold to the French insurance group SCOR in 2017.
Terroir
Château Troplong Mondot is situated in the Saint-Émilion appellation of Bordeaux, France, and its terroir is characterized by distinctive limestone and clay soils. These soils are enhanced with sedimentary fragments of flint and chalk, which contribute to the unique terroir of the estate. The vineyard, planted on a plateau, benefits from optimal sunlight and perfect natural drainage, allowing the grapes to flourish and reach perfection.
The terroir's complexity is further emphasized by the diverse soil composition, with clay interspersed with flint over limestone at the heart of the vineyard. This diverse soil structure, combined with the limestone terroir, infuses the wines with a rich, earthy character and a sense of place. The terroir-driven style of the wines at Château Troplong Mondot is a key factor in their exceptional quality and finesse.
