At the heart of our initiative to rediscover Bordeaux's forgotten grape varieties, Montils holds a special place. This white grape variety, originating from Charente, is traditionally renowned for its suitability for producing spirits (eaux-de-vie) and dry white wines. Its history is intimately linked to that of the Cognac and Armagnac wine regions, where it was long an essential component.

Montils has been mentioned in ampelographic literature for several centuries, bearing witness to its deep-rooted presence in the French viticultural landscape. In 1736, Abbé Bellet was already describing grape varieties that could be related to it, such as Pulgarie or Pergarie. In 1784, Dupré de Saint-Maur also mentioned a Parguerie blanche. These historical references highlight the antiquity and importance of this rustic grape variety, often used for blending wines deemed less "noble" at the time. Jean-Baptiste Duquesne, in his book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages", relates how grape varieties such as Pélegarie—possibly a form of Montils or a similar variety—were gradually eliminated from vineyards striving for fine and sweet dessert wines, surviving only in regions producing everyday white wines for blending, notably in Entre-deux-Mers, in a minor proportion across vineyards.

Ampelographic profile

Characteristic	Description
Budburst	Early, making it susceptible to spring frosts.
Flowering	Early.
Véraison	Early.
Ripening	Late first-period.
Vigour	Produces strong, semi-branched shoots.
Growth habit	Erect, requires adapted pruning systems, such as spur pruning.
Downy mildew susceptibility	Highly susceptible.
Powdery mildew susceptibility	Moderately susceptible.
Botrytis susceptibility	Low susceptibility.
Black rot susceptibility	Moderately susceptible.
Aromatic profile	In its youth, aromas of white fruits, citrus and floral notes.
Winemaking potential	Used for blending, well suited to distillation. Yields dry wines with good acidity.

At Château Cazebonne, we are interested in Montils for its ability to produce white wines with fine natural acidity—a valuable characteristic in the context of climate change. Although it was once relegated to blending wines, its distinctive traits can now offer fresh perspectives in crafting characterful white wines. Its early cycle and vigour require careful vineyard management, particularly regarding the risk of spring frost and diseases to which it is susceptible, such as downy mildew. Its inclusion in our vineyard is part of an approach dedicated to preserving and celebrating Bordeaux's rich ampelographic heritage. Other varieties such as Liliorila: a newcomer authorised for climate adaptation in Bordeaux, or the Melon grape variety, are also monitored with interest. Studying lesser-known varieties like the Ugni Blanc grape variety or the Meslier Saint François grape variety helps us better understand these dynamics, alongside the Colombard grape variety.

Through the work we carry out on Bordeaux's forgotten grape varieties, Château Cazebonne is proud to contribute to the revival of these historical cultivars. If you would like to learn more about this pioneering approach, our e-book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" is available for download here. To test your knowledge and explore the Bordeaux wine world in an engaging way, feel free to take part in our wine quizzes. And to discover the fruits of our labour, we invite you to visit our online shop where you will find our wines, bearing witness to our commitment to an authentic and diverse Bordeaux. You can also learn more about the Béquignol Gris grape variety.