Located in the renowned Saint-Émilion appellation in Bordeaux, France, Château Troplong Mondot stands as a testament to the rich viticultural heritage of the region. This historic estate has earned a stellar reputation for producing exceptional wines that epitomize the elegance and complexity inherent in the terroir of Saint-Émilion.

A Storied Past

Château Troplong Mondot has a history dating back to the 17th century when the property was owned by Abbe Raymond de Seze. The iconic château that graces the estate today was constructed in 1745 under the careful eye of de Seze, a prominent figure in the Bordeaux wine community. By 1850, the estate fell into the hands of Raymond Troplong, who amalgamated his name with the property, giving rise to Château Troplong Mondot.
Over the years, the estate changed ownership, passing through notable hands such as Georges Thienpont and Alexander Valette. It wasn't until 1936 that the property became family-owned, remaining so until 2017. 

Christine Valette's Legacy

Christine Valette took the reins in 1980, ushering in a new era marked by innovation and a commitment to excellence.  Under Christine Valette's stewardship, significant changes transformed Château Troplong Mondot. The shift from machine to hand harvesting, reduced yields, removal of Malbec vines, and the introduction of double Guyot pruning marked a dedication to quality. Vinification improvements, the addition of stainless steel vats, and the creation of the second wine, Mondot, in 1985 further underscored the estate's commitment to crafting exceptional wines.

The introduction of renowned consultant Michel Rolland and subsequent collaborations with Jean-Philippe Fort and Thomas Duclos enhanced the winemaking process. The 1989 and 1990 vintages marked a turning point, and by the 2000s, Troplong Mondot was hailed as one of the top wines on the Right Bank.
Tragically, Christine Valette passed away in 2014, but Xavier Pariente continued the legacy, managing the estate effectively. In 2017, the property changed hands again, this time to the French Insurance Company, SCOR, setting a record for the sale price per hectare.

A New Chapter

Post-acquisition, a series of changes reshaped Château Troplong Mondot. New cellars, construction projects, and the appointment of Aymeric de Gironde as director signaled a commitment to the estate's future. The consulting partnership with Jean Philippe Forts ended, and additional vineyard land from Chateau Bellisle Mondotte and Clos La Barde expanded the estate's holdings.
The 2017 vintage witnessed a stylistic transformation with earlier harvesting, reduced new oak usage, and modified vinification techniques. The result is a fresher, less concentrated wine that showcases a more classic profile, emphasizing the limestone-rich terroir.

The Vineyards

Perched at an elevation that grants panoramic views of the entire St. Emilion village, Troplong Mondot's 37-hectare terroir is nothing short of extraordinary. The vineyard's highest point reaches over 100 meters, making it the loftiest spot in the entire Saint Emilion appellation. A total of 26.5 hectares boast the prestigious classification of First Growth, a testament to the estate's commitment to quality.

The recent acquisition of 10.5 hectares from Clos Labarde and Belisse Mondotte adds another layer to the vineyard's complexity, further enhancing the palette of possibilities for winemaking.

The very soul of Troplong Mondot lies in its terroir – a captivating blend of deep limestone deposits beneath layers of thick clay soil. Adding a touch of intrigue, sedimentary fragments of flint and limestone are scattered throughout the vineyard. As you explore, the rocks, flint, and stones form a captivating centerpiece, emphasizing the unique character derived from the Saint-Émilion terroir.

While some sections are richer in clay and limestone, the terroir has undergone a gradual transformation since 1988. According to Christine Valette, 1989 marked a pivotal year, witnessing the estate's inaugural Bordeaux masterpiece. The original blend featured 65% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Malbec – a composition that reflects a bygone era of vineyard planting.

Preservation of Heritage

In the quest for excellence, Troplong Mondot underwent strategic replanting, bidding farewell to Malbec and welcoming an increased embrace of Merlot. The introduction of new rootstocks, fostering low yields, showcases the estate's commitment to preserving heritage while adapting to modern viticultural practices. The average age of the vines stands at around 30 years, with some venerable vines approaching the centennial mark. Near the barrel room at the summit of the slopes, vines planted in 1926 and others from 1947 and 1948 stand as living testaments to the estate's rich history.

Modernization

The journey through Troplong Mondot's cellars reflects a commitment to modernization and sustainability. With 33% of the vines farmed organically, including the use of horses for vineyard management, the estate blends tradition with forward-thinking practices.
Beginning in 2007, a comprehensive renovation of the winemaking facilities was initiated. The introduction of truncated, stainless-steel vats and, later, conical-shaped vats in 2020 demonstrates a meticulous approach to winemaking, allowing for a parcel-by-parcel focus and preserving the integrity of each terroir expression.

Winemaking Philosophy

The winemaking philosophy at Château Troplong Mondot revolves around the pursuit of excellence and a deep respect for the estate's terroir. Sustainable and environmentally conscious practices are employed throughout the vineyard management and winemaking processes. The goal is to express the true character of the grapes while maintaining the balance and finesse that define Saint-Émilion wines.

Defining The Essence Of Saint-Émilion

With a rich history, a commitment to sustainable practices, and a terroir that imparts unique characteristics to its wines, this estate continues to captivate the palates of wine connoisseurs worldwide. Exploring the wines of Château Troplong Mondot is not just a journey through time; it is an immersion into the artistry and craftsmanship that define the essence of Saint-Émilion.

Written by: Arabella Maislinger