Portraits of winemakers

DOMAINE DU HAUT MONTLONG: THE PERFECT BLEND OF EXPERTISE, HERITAGE AND PASSION

Domaine du Haut Montlong: A Legacy in Transition

In the same family since 1925, this 67-hectare vineyard is currently undergoing organic conversion.

The Transmission of Family Expertise

We meet Laurence Métifet, representing the fourth generation managing the estate.

Laurence Métifet caught the wine bug from an early age, so much so that when it came time to choose her studies, she opted for a BTS in viticulture and oenology. "My parents passed on their expertise and love for the winemaking profession," explains Laurence. It was her great-grandparents who acquired the family property in Montlong in 1925. At that time, there were only 6 hectares of vines, but each generation has contributed to its growth. After training at another estate in Bergerac, Laurence decided to settle at Domaine du Haut Montlong in 1996. Two years later, she was joined by her husband Philippe, whom she met in school. Supported also by her sister and brother-in-law, they expanded from 30 hectares to 70 hectares. Since last summer, with her sister having left the family estate for new adventures, Laurence and Philippe have been managing the estate, focusing on preserving nature. Having been practicing sustainable viticulture for over ten years and undergoing organic conversion for the past two years, they are committed to minimizing inputs. The estate is divided into three parcels with different terroirs, including clay, clay-limestone, and boulbènes soils. This variety of terroirs allows them to create rich and complex blends. To share their wines, they have also set up a space on the estate for campervan visitors through France Passion.

Wines That Break the Mold

Laurence and Philippe work with no fewer than 12 different wines, including dry and sweet white wines, rosés, and reds across three appellations: AOC Bergerac, AOC Côtes de Bergerac, and AOC Monbazillac. Their goal? To advance the family legacy by bringing their bold vision and stepping off the beaten path. For example, their Vent d’Autan cuvée is a dry white wine from AOC Bergerac, where they add Chenin to Sauvignon Gris and Sauvignon Blanc—a rarity in the region. This lovely cuvée, with ripe fruit aromas and a hint of vanilla, is ideally enjoyed with seared scallops or on its own as an aperitif. In another style, Laurence and Philippe stand out with their Les Vents d’Anges cuvée, a play on words referring to the manual harvest of this AOC Bergerac red aged in barrels. This fruity and complex cuvée delights with its ripe fruit aromas, spicy notes, and well-integrated oak, making it a perfect match for duck breast or a fine cheese platter. Their Font Romaine cuvée from AOC Monbazillac, made from a meticulous selection of the parcel of the same name, is a round and indulgent wine with exotic fruit aromas, honey, and vanilla notes. With a potential to age for over 15 years, it pairs beautifully with blue cheese or a rich dark chocolate dessert.

Revealing the Best Expression of Terroirs

Beyond blending tradition and modernity to reveal the finest expression of each appellation’s terroirs, Laurence and Philippe have modernized their packaging with the HM emblem for Haut Montlong. This dynamic couple works passionately with the family vines to elevate the estate to new heights. "We are well aware that we are merely passing through, while the estate is eternal. We do our best for those who come after us," says Laurence. If you find yourself in Bergerac, now you know where to stop!