Wines Madiran Château Montus - Montus - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Château Montus 2018 from the Madiran AOC in the South-West of France is a red wine emblematic of the piémont Pyrénéen. Typically, the Cuvée Montus is crafted predominantly from Tannat, a variety celebrated for its powerful structure, deep colour and remarkable ageing potential, often blended with a small proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon to bring finesse and aromatic complexity. The 2018 vintage benefited from a warm, long growing season, yielding wines with admirable ripeness, concentration and finely woven tannins. In the winery, grapes are hand-harvested and receive careful extraction, with long maceration followed by maturation in oak barrels, often yielding a wine shaped by notes of black fruit, spices, earthy undertones and finely integrated oak.

The Madiran region, nestled at the foothills of the Pyrenees, enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, influenced by both Atlantic breezes and mountain air. Soils here are a patchwork of clay-limestone, pebbles and iron-rich gravels, factors that contribute to the power, freshness and mineral lacework typical of the best Madiran wines. This historic wine area boasts references dating back to Roman times and holds a reputation for hearty reds that stand up to the region’s robust cuisine. Over recent decades, producers like Château Montus have elevated Madiran’s international status, demonstrating just how refined and age-worthy Tannat can be.

With its depth and structure, Château Montus 2018 makes a superb accompaniment to rich, flavoursome dishes. Traditional pairings often include local specialities such as confit de canard, cassoulet, or a slow roasted lamb shoulder with garlic and herbs. The wine’s tannic backbone and dark fruit profile also complement hard cheeses, venison or hearty stews—dishes that let the robust character of Madiran shine through.

For the best tasting experience, decant the wine at least one hour prior to serving to allow its complex aromas to emerge and the tannins to soften. Serve at 16-18°C; this cooler cellar temperature highlights the wine’s freshness and preserves balance between structure and fruit.