Chateau de Montmirail – Vacqueyras
Chateau de Montmirail was assembled in 1960 by Maurice Archimbaud from two familial properties. The family combined 20 hectares of vineyard on the plateau in Vacqueyras and 24 hectares near the Dentelles de Montmirail in Gigondas. The vines average 40 years of age with the oldest over 80 years. The predominantly clay/limestone soils produce low yields and concentrated wines from the classic blends of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre.
Some lovely Roses are produced as well.
The wines are all destemmed and largely fermented and aged in lined cement tanks and stainless steel, with some barrel aging for the top cuvees. The house style combines layers of sweet, ripe fruit with lush, round tannins and plenty of pepper and spice. Concentrated and rich, they are more accessible in their youth than is typical for these appellations.
Wines Produced
Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Jeune Vigne
Vacqueyras Cuvee des Deux Freres
Gigondas Cuvee de Beauchamp
Gigondas La Combe Sauvage
Gigondas Cuvee Saint Maurice
Distributors
Maine: National Distributors
Vermont: Vermont Wine Merchants
Rhode Island: Wine Brothers
New York: Maximum Wine
New Jersey: Maximum Wine
Illinois: Louis Glunz Wines
Montana: Eagle Distributing
2013 Chateau de Montmirail, Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Jeune Vigne
50% Syrah 40% Grenache 10% Marcillan
8-10 day maceration in cement tanks
Great aromatics black purple color
Pure black fruits, ripe, round tannins
2012 Chateau de Montmirail, Vacqueyras Cuvee des Deux Freres
70% Grenache 20% Syrah 10% Mourvedre
10-60 year old vines (average 40) 15-20 days maceration 100% in tank great aromatics
Sweet cherry fruit, rich, ripe chocolate tannins,
Layered and textured complex and pure
2013 Chateau de Montmirail, Gigondas Cuvee de Beauchamp
70% Grenache 20% Syrah 10% Mourvedre
25 day maceration 40 year old vines clay soil at bottom of Les Dentelles de Montmirail
Smooth, fine tannins supple black fruit with plenty of pepper and spice lush and soft, ready to drink young
2013 Chateau de Montmirail, Gigondas La Combe Sauvage
60% Grenache 40% Mourvedre only 5,000b produced
Dense, ripe black fruit with layers of pepper, spice and tar mouthfilling ripe tannins fine now with food and will become more expressive with age
2013 Chateau de Montmirail, Gigondas Cuvee Saint Maurice
50% Grenache 35% Syrah 15% Mourvedre
Old vines aged in new barrels with medium toast
Dark, bright color aromas of sweet, black fruit and toasty oak layered dense and rich
Will improve with age