Tertre Roteboeuf
French Pronunciation Guide
Saint-Émilion's most celebrated outsider: a tiny, unclassified estate producing some of the region's most coveted and expensive wines.
Tertre Roteboeuf is a 5.7-hectare Saint-Émilion estate producing intensely concentrated Merlot-dominant wines of cult status. Owner François Mitjavile deliberately opted out of the Saint-Émilion classification system, making this one of Bordeaux's most intriguing anomalies. With just 2,000 cases produced annually, demand consistently outstrips supply.
- Located in Saint-Laurent-des-Combes, a few kilometers southeast of the Saint-Émilion town
- Planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc on limestone and clay soils
- François Mitjavile took over in 1978; the estate was virtually unknown until 1985
- Voluntarily unclassified despite qualifying for Premier Cru Classé status
- Produces approximately 2,000 cases per year with no second wine
- Vines average 40+ years of age; sustainable and organic practices used throughout
- Removed 'Château' from the label starting with the 1994 vintage
History and Origins
The vineyard at Tertre Roteboeuf dates to 1731, though it remained obscure for most of its history. Miloute Gilard inherited the estate in 1961, and François Mitjavile took over in 1978, releasing his first solo vintage shortly after. The estate was virtually unknown until 1985, when it began attracting serious critical attention. Since the 1994 vintage, Mitjavile has dropped 'Château' from the label entirely, a deliberate signal of the estate's independent identity.
- Vineyard founded in 1731 in the commune of Saint-Laurent-des-Combes
- Inherited by Miloute Gilard in 1961; François Mitjavile assumed control in 1978
- Remained obscure until 1985, when its reputation began to build rapidly
- 'Château' removed from the label beginning with the 1994 vintage
Terroir and Vineyard
The estate covers 5.7 to 6 hectares on steep south and south-east facing slopes, which create a marginally cooler microclimate than many neighboring sites. Soils are limestone and clay-based, providing good drainage and the mineral character evident in the wines. Vines average over 40 years of age, contributing to low yields and concentrated fruit. Mitjavile employs sustainable and organic practices throughout the vineyard.
- Steep south/south-east facing slopes create a slightly cooler microclimate
- Limestone and clay soils underpin the estate's mineral-driven character
- Old vines averaging 40+ years contribute to naturally low yields
- Sustainable and organic viticulture practiced across the estate
Grape Varieties and Winemaking
The estate is planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, a blend typical of Saint-Émilion's right bank style. Mitjavile is known for his late-harvest philosophy, picking at full physiological ripeness to maximize concentration and aromatic complexity. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled concrete tanks with extended maceration. The wine ages in new oak for 18 to 24 months using specialist cooperage. No second wine is produced, meaning only the finest fruit enters the blend.
- 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc planted on the estate
- Late-harvest approach with extended fermentation and maceration
- Fermented in temperature-controlled concrete tanks
- Aged 18 to 24 months in new oak; no second wine produced
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Look it up →Classification and Commercial Approach
Tertre Roteboeuf holds no official Saint-Émilion classification, a situation that is entirely by choice. Mitjavile qualifies for Premier Cru Classé status but has deliberately declined to seek it, keeping the estate outside the classification review process. The wine sells directly to importers and merchants, bypassing the traditional Bordeaux négociant system. Despite its unclassified status, it ranks among the most expensive wines produced in Saint-Émilion, with demand that far exceeds the approximately 2,000 cases made each year.
- Voluntarily unclassified; Mitjavile chose not to participate in Saint-Émilion's classification system
- Qualifies for Premier Cru Classé status but has never sought it
- Sold directly to importers and merchants, bypassing the négociant system
- Among the most expensive wines in the Saint-Émilion appellation
Deeply colored and richly aromatic, with blackcurrants, overripe cherries, liquorice, roasted caramel, and vanilla on the nose. The palate is concentrated and full-bodied, showing black cherry, kirsch, and a distinctive mineral perfume. Late-harvest ripeness and new oak aging give the wine a lush, layered character with considerable aging potential.
- Tertre Roteboeuf Saint-Émilion Grand Cru$150-300The estate's only wine; intensely concentrated Merlot-dominant blend from old vines on limestone-clay slopes.Find →
- Tertre Roteboeuf is voluntarily unclassified in Saint-Émilion despite qualifying for Premier Cru Classé status
- Blend is 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc; estate covers 5.7 to 6 hectares in Saint-Laurent-des-Combes
- François Mitjavile took control in 1978; estate rose to prominence from 1985 onward
- Late-harvest philosophy, concrete tank fermentation, and 18 to 24 months new oak aging define the production style
- Bypasses the traditional négociant system, selling directly to importers; production is approximately 2,000 cases annually