A heritage site of wine tourism interest, Château Monluc is distinguished by its sparkling wines from Gascony, its still wines, its vintage armagnacs and its famous Pousse Rapière.
From Monluc to Pousse Rapière
At the highest point of the village of Saint-Puy, on the foundations of a 13th - century stronghold , stands Château Monluc . Home to Blaise de Monluc, a man of letters and renowned Renaissance knight, the château's name commemorates his enduring legacy. Firmly rooted in its history, the site has enhanced its contemporary renown through its 65-hectare vineyard, currently undergoing organic conversion. As is traditional in Gascony, the vineyard initially served the production of Armagnac . On this terroir, ideal for cultivating white grape varieties, wine production subsequently expanded to include still wines, most of which are classified under the IGP Côtes de Gascogne designation . The coexistence of spirits and wines in the cellars of Château Monluc has been fundamental to its identity. It is particularly distinguished by the invention of the most famous Gascon aperitif: Pousse Rapière.
The effervescent René Lassus
The architect of Château Monluc 's renowned winemaking reputation is René Lassus , who oversaw the estate until 2009. A tireless, pragmatic, and creative winemaker, he equipped the property with a cellar inspired by the Champagne houses. He instilled this effervescence in his wines. Not content with simply adding a distinctive sparkle to his productions, he took innovation a step further by creating an Armagnac liqueur . From the noble marriage of bubbles and this elegant spirit with hints of orange zest was born Pousse Rapière . This typically Gascon aperitif commemorates, through its name, the spirited knight Blaise de Monluc. He was indeed a great expert in wielding the long swords known as rapiers, two fine examples of which are displayed in the museum space attached to the cellar. Because the Château de Monluc is first and foremost a place of wine tourism interest which combines heritage discovery with the opportunity for an original tasting.
From bubbles to wines and spirits
The traditional method of sparkling winemaking, imported to Gascony, is one of the defining characteristics of Château Monluc 's wine portfolio . The first sparkling wine is, of course, Vin Sauvage , which contributes to the composition of Pousse Rapière . Alongside it in the same family is Monluc Brut Rosé, which derives its color and bouquet from a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as a Brut Chardonnay whose effervescence evokes notes of peach and white flowers. The sparkling wine range also includes the renowned Tuilé , which boasts a loyal following. Still wines from the Côtes de Gascogne are also featured. These are brought together by the Aubaines de Goupil range , available in dry white, sweet white, red, and rosé. And, of course, any self-respecting Gascony estate will also showcase its Armagnacs. At Château Monluc they are available in vintages, just like at Armagnac Jean Cavé which belongs to the same house.