Over 80 wine lovers gathered at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club in early April to discover the Madiran region and the unique Tannat varietal from Château Bouscassé and Château Montus.
The diners enjoyed the wines and shared joyful moments while learning about the passion of Alain Brumont, whose dedication to the region’s terroir has elevated both estates to world-class recognition.
Alain Brumont, a visionary in Southwest France, has revitalized Madiran wines and the Tannat grape. His journey began in 1979 with the inheritance of Château Bouscassé, followed by the purchase of Château Montus in 1980. Through his dedication to the region’s terroir, Brumont transformed both estates into world-class status.
As Brumont describes, Château Bouscassé is most comparable to Right Bank Bordeaux, while Château Montus more closely resembles the Left Bank.
Chateau Montus La Tyre
In 1990, Alain Brumont discovered a 10-hectare slope located at the highest hillside of Madiran, 260 meters above sea level. Recognizing its exceptional potential, he acquired the land and planted Tannat. This remarkable terroir is the birthplace of the renowned cuvée “La Tyre.”
The high note of the evening was the tasting of the most recent release of Cuvée La Tyre, the acclaimed “President’s Wine”, recently gifted by President Macron to President Xi Jinping ^. Witness first-hand its depth, structure, and refined elegance — akin to a Bordeaux Left Bank Cru Classé — a true expression of prestige in every glass.
Tannat is a bold, deeply coloured red grape known for its high tannins and ageing potential. Native to the South-West of France, especially Madiran, it’s also famously grown in Uruguay, where it produces softer, more approachable wines. Tannat wines often show dark fruit, spice, and firm structure, making them ideal for ageing and pairing with rich dishes.
^ https://www.terredevins.com/a-table/chateau-montus-servi-a-la-table-de-xi-jinping-et-emmanuel-macron
