Domaine du Monteillet was established in 1732 and is located above the village of Chavanay, near Condrieu. Today the estate is run by 10th generation wine maker, Stephane Montez who studied in Australia, California and England before returning to take charge of the family domaine in 1997. He looks after vineyards in Condrieu, Côte-Rôtie and Saint-Joseph. This superb red is a blend of 90% Syrah from the Cotes Blonde slope of the Côte-Rôtie where the soil is lighter and chalkier than the Cotes Brune, and 10% Viognier from Condrieu. Both grapes are manually harvested and the wine spends 19 months in new French oak barrels before bottling. 'Fortis' translates into 'valiant 'and takes its name from 'Fortis fortuna fortior', the motto of the first owner of the domaine. The name neatly encapsulates the character of the wine.
An inky-purple in colour. Aromas of black cherries, coal tar and black tea with hints of smoky bacon. On the palate, powerful and complex with concentrated red berry flavours and a supple texture. The finish is lengthy and spicy with smoky notes. A vigorous yet seductive wine to pair with roast grouse and blackberry sauce, roasted calf's kidneys on a puree of shallots or roast shoulder of lamb stuffed with Roquefort cheese and mint.