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About
Stéphane Montez is the tenth generation of the Domaine du Monteillet, a family-owned vineyard in Chavanay, overlooking the Rhône Valley. With extensive experience in winegrowing worldwide, including in Florida and Australia, Montez brings a unique perspective to his work. The vineyard spans 24 hectares, cultivating Syrah for Saint-Joseph and Côte-Rotie reds, Roussanne and Marsanne for Saint-Joseph whites, and Viognier for Condrieu. Montez is known for his meticulous approach, including hand-harvesting grapes and using techniques like 100% de-stemming and pneumatic pressing to ensure high-quality wines. His wines are renowned for their complex flavors and persistent mouthfeel, making them perfect pairings for poultry, duck breast, and game.
History
Stéphane Montez is the tenth generation of the Domaine du Monteillet, a family estate that dates back to the 17th century when it belonged to the Villard family. Over the centuries, Montez's ancestors gradually acquired more land, with notable purchases documented in historical records such as a notarial deed from 1741. This deed shows Michel, a master carpenter and cooper, buying a vine at Monteillet, marking the beginning of the family's involvement in winemaking.
Following the French Revolution, Montez's ancestors continued to expand their vineyard holdings. Today, Stéphane Montez succeeds his father Antoine, who passed on his extensive knowledge of winemaking. Stéphane has also gained experience in winegrowing globally, including in Florida and Australia, which has further enriched his understanding of the unique terroir of the south-south-east facing terraced hillsides in Chavanay where the estate is located.
Terroir
The terroir of Stéphane Montez's Domaine du Monteillet is characterized by its unique granitic soil, which is a defining feature of the Northern Rhône Valley. The estate is located in Chavanay, an area known for its low rainfall and favorable microclimate. The vineyards, which cover 38 hectares, are situated on the slopes overlooking the Rhône Valley, ensuring optimal exposure to sunlight and air circulation. The soil composition, made of rolled pebbles, captures the sun's heat and diffuses it better at night, contributing to the distinct flavor profiles of the wines.
The terroir also includes four distinct appellations: Saint Joseph, Condrieu, Cornas, and Côte Rôtie. Each appellation has its own specific terroir characteristics, with Saint Joseph and Condrieu being particularly renowned for their white wines made from Roussanne and Marsanne grapes, respectively. The red wines, such as those from Saint Joseph and Côte Rôtie, are crafted from Syrah grapes, which thrive in the granitic soil and benefit from the region's unique climate conditions. This combination of soil, climate, and grape varieties contributes to the exceptional quality and aging potential of the wines produced by Stéphane Montez.