Chateau Monbrison, Margaux, Bordeaux, Complete Guide

Learn everything about Chateau Monbrison, Margaux with wine tasting notes, and wine with food pairing tips. Learn the best vintages, a history of the property, information on the vineyards, and winemaking. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux: Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Chateau Monbrison History, Overview

Chateau Monbrison was founded in 1749. Prior to its birth, Chateau Monbrison was part of the much larger estate of Chateau dArsac. At the time, it belonged to the wealthy Segur family who was some of the most important founders of the entire Bordeaux region.

In 1821 the property was purchased by Paul Georges de Conquere de Monbrison, which is where the estate took its name from. The charming, French, country-styled farmhouse predates the estate as a vineyard as it was built in the 17th century.

Chateau Monbrison was purchased by an American, Robert Davies in 1921. Robert Davies married into the Johnston family, of the well-known, Nathaniel Johnston negociants in Bordeaux who were also owners of various vineyards, including Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou over the years.

Robert Davies replanted the entire vineyard in 1939. The vineyard was replanted a second time in 1963. Chateau Monbrison has endured up and down periods over the centuries.

If you are wondering why you never find older vintages of Monbrison, there is a reason. As you have already read, the entire vineyard was removed and replanted in 1939. From 1939-1963, the vines were leased to various negociants and chateaux, most notably Chateau Prieure-Lichine. Starting in 1964, the property began bottling and selling some of its production, waiting for the remaining leasing contracts to expire.

From 1974 on, Chateau Monbrison has bottled and sold their entire harvest. Chateau Monbrison remains the property of direct descendants of the Davies family, Laurent Vonderheyden, a descendant of the Davies family is the owner and director of Chateau Monbrison today.

Chateau Monbrison Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The 15.5 hectare Margaux vineyard of Chateau Monbrison is planted to 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. This shows an increase in Cabernet Sauvignon and decreases in Merlot over the years. The terroir is sand and gravel-based soils.

The vines are on average 40 years of age. But Monbrison has old vines, many of which were planted in 1963 when the majority of the vineyard was replanted. Their best parcels are located close to the chateau in Arsac.

While the vineyard holdings of Chateau Monbrison are large at 21 hectares, it’s important to note that only 15.5 hectares are situated in the Margaux appellation.

The remainder of their vines is located in the Haut Medoc appellation. The vineyard is planted to various vine densities ranging from 6,500 vines per hectare up to 10,000 vines per hectare. The higher levels of vine density are found in the newer plantings.

In 2012 Chateau Monbrison completed a full renovation of their vat room and barrel aging cellars. Part of the modernization allowed for Chateau Monbrison to add more smaller-sized, stainless steel, fermentation vats for better vinification abilities. This allowed them to do more parcel by parcel vinification.

Chateau Monbrison Winemaking

To produce the wine of Chateau Monbrison, vinification takes place in traditional, temperature-controlled, stainless steel vats. Malolactic fermentation takes place in vat. The wine is aged in an average of 40% to 50% new, French oak barrels for about of 18 months.

There is a second wine, Bouquet de Monbrison. The estate makes a third Margaux wine, Chateau Cordet. In addition, they also produce wine from vines they own in the neighboring Haut Medoc appellation, Haut Medoc de Monbrison. On average, the annual production of Chateau Monbrison is close to 6,000 cases of wine per year.

The best vintages of Chateau Monbrison are: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2005 and 2000.

When to Drink Chateau Monbrison, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau Monbrison can be enjoyed on the young side with decanting. Young vintages can be decanted for an average of 1-2 hours, give or take. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.

Chateau Monbrison is usually better with at least 6-8 years of bottle age. Of course, that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage character. Chateau Monbrison offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 10-18 years of age after the vintage.

Serving Chateau Monbrison, with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

Chateau Monbrison is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.

Chateau Monbrison is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes. Monbrison is a perfect match with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta as well as assorted soft and hard cheeses.

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