Château Monbrison
Updated on
Château Monbrison is a family-owned winegrowing estate in Arsac, classified as Cru Bourgeois Supérieur. It produces wines in the Margaux and Haut-Médoc appellations from a 17-hectare vineyard farmed using sustainable viticulture (lutte raisonnée) on gravel soils, aged in oak barrels and amphorae.
Identity
Château Monbrison is a winegrowing estate located in Arsac, in the Gironde. It is currently managed by Laurent Vonderheyden and Alix Vonderheyden. The estate holds the Cru Bourgeois Supérieur classification, established in 2003.
History and philosophy
The history of Château Monbrison dates back to 1749, when M. de Copmartin was recorded as its original founder. Originally, the estate is believed to have operated as a métayage farm dependent on Château d’Arsac. In 1818, Paul Georges Conqueré de Monbrison was recorded as the owner of the property.
In 1922, Robert M. Davis and Kathleen Johnston acquired the property. The 1960s marked a revival for the vineyard under the impetus of Elizabeth Vonderheyden (née Davis) and Christian Vonderheyden. Jean-Luc Vonderheyden took charge of winemaking from 1976 onwards. A new cellar was constructed in 1978. The property has remained in the family for nearly a century. In 2018, Alix Vonderheyden and Laurent Vonderheyden took over the running of the estate.
Château Monbrison practises sustainable viticulture (lutte raisonnée), without biodynamic certification.
Appellations
Château Monbrison produces wines under the Margaux appellation, as well as under the Haut-Médoc appellation. The vineyard plots are situated to the south of Margaux, near Arsac.
Practical information
Château Monbrison is located at 1 allée Monbrison, 33460 Arsac. The estate offers visits by appointment. Cellar-door sales and mail-order purchases are available. The estate does not offer dining or accommodation. The staff speak French and English.
Telephone: +33 5 56 58 80 04
Email: info@chateaumonbrison.com
Find out more
Frequently asked questions
- Who are the current owners of Château Monbrison?
- Château Monbrison is currently managed by Laurent Vonderheyden and Alix Vonderheyden. The property has been family-owned for nearly a century, with Jean-Luc Vonderheyden previously overseeing the winemaking. The estate was acquired by Robert M. Davis and Kathleen Johnston in 1922, and the 1960s saw Elizabeth Vonderheyden (née Davis) and Christian Vonderheyden drive the revitalization of the vineyard. The Vonderheyden family continues to uphold this family tradition.
- What is the size and composition of the Château Monbrison vineyard?
- The Château Monbrison vineyard spans a planted area of approximately 17 hectares, within a total surface area of 21 hectares. The average age of the vines is around 40 years, with planting densities ranging between 6,500 and 10,000 vines per hectare. The soils consist of fine gravel and Pyrenean gravel, a classic terroir of the area. The grape varieties comprise Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Merlot (30%), Cabernet Franc (15%), and Petit Verdot (5%).
- Does Château Monbrison offer visits?
- Yes, Château Monbrison offers visits and tastings by appointment. Wines can be purchased directly on site or ordered by mail. The estate is located at 1 allée Monbrison, 33460 Arsac. Please note that it does not offer catering or on-site accommodation. The staff speak both French and English to welcome visitors.
- Which appellations and cuvées are produced by Château Monbrison?
- Château Monbrison produces wines primarily under the Margaux appellation, as well as under the Haut-Médoc appellation. The vineyard plots are situated to the south of Margaux, near Arsac. Among the estate's flagship cuvées are Château Monbrison and its second wine, Bouquet de Monbrison. Another notable cuvée is Château Cordet. Total annual production is estimated at 126,000 bottles.
The vineyard (terroir)
The Château Monbrison vineyard covers a planted area of around 17 hectares, out of a total surface area of 21 hectares. It is characterised by soils composed of fine gravel and Pyrenean gravel. The average age of the vines is approximately 40 years, with a planting density ranging from 6,500 to 10,000 vines per hectare. The replanting of the vineyard dates back to 1963. Harvesting is carried out by hand.
The estate's grape varieties consist of Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Merlot (30%), Cabernet Franc (15%), and Petit Verdot (5%).
Flagship cuvées
The estate produces several cuvées, most notably Château Monbrison and its second wine, Bouquet de Monbrison. Another cuvée is Château Cordet. Annual production is estimated at 126,000 bottles (75cl).
Vinification and ageing
The wines are aged for a period of 18 months, with 30% matured in new oak barrels. A proportion of 5% of the ageing is carried out in amphorae.
- Appellations
- Margaux, Haut-Médoc
- Commune
- Arsac
- Wine region
- Médoc
- Owner
- Laurent Vonderheyden
- Technical direction
- Grégory Brun
- Surface area
- 17 ha
- Second wine
- Bouquet de Monbrison
- Grape varieties
- Cabernet Sauvignon 50%, Merlot 30%, Cabernet Franc 15%, Petit Verdot 5%
Practical information
- Address
- 1 allée Monbrison, 33460 Arsac
- Phone
- +33556588004
- Contact form
- Contact the estate
- Visits
- Oui sur rendez-vous