The history of La Mondotte dates back to the early 19th century. Mentioned in several historical works, this small plot is an integral part of Saint-Émilion's rich winemaking tradition. However, it only truly established itself on the international scene from 1996 onwards, under the impetus of Stephan von Neipperg.
In 1971, Count Joseph-Hubert von Neipperg, from an ancient noble family originating from the Württemberg valley, acquired La Mondotte along with other prestigious estates such as Château Canon La Gaffelière and Clos de l'Oratoire. During the early years, La Mondotte did not receive particular attention, being vinified at Canon La Gaffelière's facilities.
Everything changed during the revision of the Saint-Émilion wine classification in 1996. The Wine Commission demanded that La Mondotte have its own infrastructure. Stephan von Neipperg then decided to transform this small property into a full-scale laboratory, where he applied the most innovative viticultural techniques to create an exceptional wine. Under the direction of oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt, La Mondotte revealed its extraordinary potential from its first vintage in 1996, and quickly achieved worldwide fame.
In 2012, consecration came when La Mondotte was promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé "B". Since then, the estate has been recognised for the quality of its wines, which are distinguished by their great concentration, refined elegance and unique minerality, reflecting its exceptional terroir.
The 2009 and 2005 vintages of Château La Mondotte stand out with 99/100 from Robert Parker, while the 2000 vintage is rated 98+/100, confirming the quality of this prestigious wine.
La Mondotte benefits from a rare and precious terroir, located on the eastern plateau of Saint-Émilion. The vineyard rests on a clay-limestone soil rich in silt, with a rocky subsoil. This type of soil allows for exceptional water regulation, even in the driest years, thanks to optimal natural drainage. The depth of the vine roots, which are firmly anchored in this rocky substrate, contributes to the complexity and minerality of the wines produced.
La Mondotte's vineyard is planted with 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, noble grape varieties that flourish fully in this unique terroir. The average age of the vines is 60 years, with some even reaching 70 years. This heritage of old vines, coupled with a very low yield (often less than 20 hectolitres per hectare), allows for wines with great aromatic concentration.
Cultivation practices at La Mondotte are deeply respectful of the environment. Since 2014, the estate has been certified Organic, following a model of sustainable viticulture, close to biodynamic principles. Soil cultivation, grass cover, organic amendments, as well as techniques such as de-budding, leaf removal and green harvesting are scrupulously applied throughout the year to promote optimal grape maturation.
The philosophy of vinification at La Mondotte is simple: allow the wine to fully reveal the expression of its terroir. It all begins with manual harvesting, carried out in small crates to preserve the integrity of the grapes. After an initial selection in the vineyard, the bunches are sorted again upon reception, before and after destemming. No crushing is performed, and the grapes are gently transported by conveyor belt to avoid any premature oxidation.
Alcoholic fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled wooden vats, for long macerations (28 to 35 days depending on the vintage), allowing for a progressive and controlled extraction of aromas, colour and tannins. Extraction is mainly done by pneumatic punching down, a gentle method that respects the integrity of the berries.
Malolactic fermentation and ageing take place in French oak barrels, 100% new, where the wine rests on fine lees for about 18 months. Depending on the vintage, light fining or filtration may be carried out before bottling, in order to preserve the purity and elegance of the wine.
La Mondotte produces only one cuvée, but it is a true concentrate of excellence. Made from the best plots of the estate, La Mondotte wine is a cru of great intensity, combining aromatic richness, silky texture and pronounced minerality.
Each vintage of La Mondotte is unique and reflects both the character of the terroir and the climatic conditions of the year. The low yields, combined with meticulous attention paid to each stage of vinification, give these wines a rare complexity and remarkable longevity.
Saint-Émilion, a jewel of the Bordeaux wine region, has produced vintages of exceptional quality over the years, delighting connoisseurs of fine wines. Among the legendary vintages, one can cite 1947, 1959, and 1961, true icons that have marked the history of Bordeaux wines. The famous 1982 remains an undisputable reference. The following decades were equally impressive, with remarkable vintages such as 1990, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2005, all acclaimed for their richness and ageing potential. More recently, the 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020 vintages have shone through their balance and depth, reaffirming Saint-Émilion's reputation as one of Bordeaux's most sought-after appellations, where each new year continues to captivate fine wine enthusiasts with its consistent quality and elegance.
The classification of Saint-Émilion's Premiers Grands Crus Classés B, reviewed every 10 years, highlights exceptional châteaux from the Right Bank vineyard. Among those that continue to feature in this prestigious category are emblematic names such as Château Beau-Séjour Bécot, Château Beauséjour Héritiers Duffau Lagarrosse, Château Bélair-Monange, Château Canon, Château Pavie-Macquin, Château Troplong-Mondot, Château Trottevieille, and Clos Fourtet. Others, promoted in 2012, such as Château Canon-La-Gaffelière, Château Larcis-Ducasse, Château La Mondotte, and Château Valandraud, also illustrate the ever-increasing quality of the region's growths. However, some châteaux are no longer classified, such as La Gaffelière (since 2022) and Magdelaine (since 2006). This constant renewal ensures the excellence and evolution of the Saint-Émilion vineyard, where tradition and innovation blend harmoniously.
La Mondotte is a true jewel of Saint-Émilion, an exceptional wine that combines the power of Merlot, the complexity of Cabernet Franc and the unique minerality of its clay-limestone terroir. Thanks to the passionate efforts of Stephan von Neipperg and his team, this estate, certified Organic, produces wines of unequalled finesse, marked by aromatic depth and a silky texture. Each cuvée is an invitation to discover the pure and refined expression of the Saint-Émilion plateau. With limited yields and confidential production, La Mondotte is a rare and precious wine, sought after by wine lovers around the world.