Wines Madiran Château Madiran, Château Montus 2022 - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Château Montus 2022 is an excellent example of Madiran AOC from the foothills of the Pyrenees in the South-West of France. This wine is primarily made from the Tannat grape, a variety renowned for its robust structure, deep colour, and exceptional ageing potential. 2022 in Madiran saw favourable weather conditions, allowing for optimal ripening of the grapes while preserving freshness. The Château Montus estate is recognised for its meticulous viticultural practices and modern winemaking approach, often involving careful sorting of the grapes, temperature-controlled fermentation, and significant maturation in French oak barriques, which imparts subtle spice and rounds the inherently powerful tannins of Tannat. As a result, the 2022 vintage reveals a deep purple hue with an expressive nose of blackcurrant, cassis, liquorice, and hints of toasted vanilla. On the palate, expect a generous concentration of dark fruit, fine-grained tannins, and a lingering finish with notes of cocoa and sweet spices.

The Madiran AOC sits in the heart of the South-West, bordered by Gascony and the Pyrenees. The region benefits from a temperate oceanic climate moderated by the proximity of the mountains, ensuring cool nights and sunny days which aid the slow, even ripening of Tannat. The soils here are primarily composed of gravel, clay, and rolled pebbles, lending power and elegance to the wines while supporting good drainage. Madiran’s viticultural tradition reaches back to the 11th century, and the persistent revival in recent decades, notably led by estates like Château Montus, has rekindled its reputation for bold, cellar-worthy reds.

Given the structure and character of Château Montus 2022, this wine pairs beautifully with rich, hearty dishes. Think of classic Gascon cuisine such as duck confit or cassoulet, where the wine’s tannins can complement the fat and depth of the dish. It will also partner well with roasted lamb, pork belly, or strong aged cheeses like Ossau-Iraty.

For the best tasting experience, decant the wine at least an hour before serving to allow it to open up and soften. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C. This will enable all the aromatic complexity and depth to come forward. While enjoyable now with hearty fare, the 2022 vintage promises to evolve gracefully over the coming decade if cellared correctly.