Château Montlabert has been promoted to the status of Grand Cru Classé as part of the 2022 Saint-Emilion Wine Classification. This classification marks an exciting new chapter in the story of the Castel Family Estates, rewarding years of hard work to reveal the singularity of the Montlabert terroir, with the utmost respect for its ecosystems.
The Castel Family has always specialized in the Bordeaux region. Today, the family’s fine wine expertise, as both winemakers and wine merchants, continues to develop under the Castel Châteaux & Grands Crus banner. The acquisition of Château Montlabert was a key stage of this project, which began in 1957. Today, the objective remains to use an extensive portfolio of Family Estates in order to showcase the finest French appellations. The quality of its terroir, the constant striving for winemaking excellence and the family’s commitment to hospitality combine to make Château Montlabert the jewel in the Family Estates crown.
Montlabert is an encounter that goes beyond investment. The Castel Family’s decision to establish themselves in the heart of one of the world’s most prestigious wine regions is rooted in their history as winegrowers. From the purchase in 2008 and the inauguration in 2020, the Castel family invested time and resources into drawing up the outline of a new history and a new ambition. For 10 years, the focus has been on listening to and understanding the terroir in order to build a winemaking business based on a desire for sustainable excellence. The design and construction of the winery are the vehicle for achieving this vision of enhancing the value of the terroir and the property.
Montlabert is an iconic property in Saint-Emilion. The Castel family wished to respect and reveal its uniqueness by creating an architectural ensemble inspired by the 18th century. The new chapter written by the Castel Family goes beyond the renovated winery. It is about the rebirth of the entire property, guided by a comprehensive vision of respect for the Saint-Emilion environment. Alongside its rigorous winemaking philosophy, the project involves a sustainable approach to the ecosystem of the park and gardens, and a view to hospitality illustrated by the restoration of the Charteuse, orangery and Maison de Bordier.
The design and construction of the new winery were entrusted to the architect Olivier Chadebost, renowned for his work with some of Bordeaux’s most prestigious châteaux. His architectural interpretation for the design of the high-level, sustainable winery came from a respectful understanding of the spirit of Saint-Emilion and the uniqueness of Montlabert. Crafting fine wines requires both hard work and humility. For over 10 years, the Castel family and the Montlabert team have worked patiently and diligently to define the personality and style of its wines, inspired by balance and elegance.
With family and winemaking roots dating back to 1850, Montlabert is naturally suited to hospitality and entertaining. The Castel family has decided to revive this tradition, not only opening the property to trade and private guests, but also offering them a unique, rich and convivial experience. The family has been hosting visits from its special trade partners from around the world for several years now. Today, the property is available to hire for private event and seminar organisers in search of a venue offering an atmosphere conducive to friendly reflection and discussion. The traditional Orangery, extended by a glass conservatory, has been fitted out to serve this purpose.
From 2021, Montlabert has welcomed private guests seeking to discover the personality of a wine through the property that gives it its soul and identity.
Text and photos : Château Montlabert
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