Montravel

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Accessory grape varieties

Terroir

• The geological substratum corresponds to the maximum extent of the sea during the Oligocene, with a deposit of starfish limestone (calcaire à astéries) to the west and a more clayey facies to the east.
• This substratum is overlain by the molasses of the Agenais, a fluvio-lacustrine formation corresponding to the Agenais molasse mentioned elsewhere as overlying the calcaire à astéries.
• To the north, this layer gives way to a detrital system known as the Sables et graviers du Périgord, derived from the breakdown of granitic arenas of the Massif Central.
• Three main soil types develop on the hillsides according to the underlying substratum: acidic clay-siliceous soils over the molasses, clay-calcareous soils with a high chlorosis-inducing potential over the calcaire à astéries, and acidic clay-silt-sandy soils over the Sables et graviers du Périgord.
• The hillside relief is sharply defined to the east by a major meander of the Dordogne, which abuts the rocky spur of the commune of Le Fleix.

• In 1307, the Archbishop of Bordeaux acquired the châtellenie encompassing the parishes of the canton of Vélines and Montpeyroux, allowing the wines of Montravel to enter Bordeaux freely and to be exported to England and Holland.
• The Montravel appellation d'origine contrôlée for red wines was not recognised until 2001, thanks to the perseverance of a group of winegrowers rectifying an oversight left unresolved since the delimitations of 1919 and 1943.

• The dry white wines display exotic aromas, vivacity, and minerality, with a pronounced mineral freshness that is retained over many years.
• The red wines have a deep and intense colour, a nose of dark fruit with discreet roasted notes evolving towards vegetal and spiced nuances, and very ripe tannins of remarkable finesse.
• The dry white wines are aged on fine lees, sometimes in oak barrels, and are highly regarded for their power, roundness, and pronounced mineral freshness.
• The red wines can be enjoyed from the earliest years thanks to their freshness and fruitiness, yet they are thoroughbred wines that offer a fine expression after several years of cellaring.

• For the dry white wines, the very humid oceanic climate combined with the clay content of the soils helps avoid water stress and summer heat spikes, promoting optimal ripeness in the grapes.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.

All appellations in France

Sources

• Product specification (BO Agri, PDF) — approved 11 octobre 2011, JORF 13 octobre 2011,
• Official INAO text (show_texte)
• INAO product entry
• Official trade body site — IVBD — Vins de Bergerac & Duras