Wines Côtes-du-Rhône Château Montfaucon - Vin de Madame la Comtesse de Montfaucon - 2017

Viniou Reviews

Château Montfaucon’s Cuvée Vin de Madame la Comtesse de Montfaucon 2017 is a charming white from the Côtes-du-Rhône AOC, crafted in one of France’s most respected wine regions. This cuvée is typically a blend of Rhône varietals such as Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Viognier, and possibly Roussanne or Marsanne, reflecting the tradition of Rhône white assemblies. The 2017 vintage benefited from a generous Rhône sun, leading to ripe, expressive aromatics while careful winemaking preserves freshness. Expect a nuanced nose combining white stone fruit, pear, honeysuckle and a hint of wild herbs, with a supple, rounded palate and a lifted finish that balances richness with subtle minerality.

The Côtes-du-Rhône, stretching along the Rhône Valley’s southern reaches, is renowned for its diversity of soils—ranging from galets roulés (rounded pebbles) to sand, clay, and limestone. This diversity, combined with a Mediterranean climate marked by hot, sunny days and Mistral winds, creates ideal conditions for both red and white grapes to thrive and express vibrant fruit alongside delicate floral and mineral notes. The long history of winemaking here—dating back to Roman times—has fostered a deep understanding of blending and terroir, qualities which are particularly apparent in the whites from top estates like Montfaucon.

For food pairings, this refined white lends itself superbly to a variety of dishes. It is perfect with grilled Mediterranean fish such as sea bass or gilthead bream, delicate shellfish like prawns or scallops, and Provençal classics like chicken with tarragon or a vegetable tian. Soft cheeses like goat's cheese from the nearby Drôme area accentuate its floral dimension, while a simple olive tapenade on crusty bread complements its textural richness.

Serve this wine well-chilled, ideally between 8 and 10°C, to highlight its aromatic detail and keep the palate crisp. Use medium-sized white wine glasses to allow the aromas to unfold, and enjoy within the next 2–4 years for optimal freshness and harmony.