Clos Montirius

Domaine Montirius is one of the Southern Rhône’s benchmark biodynamic estates, founded by Éric and Christine Saurel and today recognised for producing some of the region’s most transparent and terroir driven wines. Based in Sarrians, between Gigondas and Vacqueyras, the domaine farms around sixty hectares across a mosaic of limestone, clay and sandy soils, with all vineyards certified biodynamic since the late 1990s. The name Montirius itself is derived from the names of the family members, MON for Monique, TI for Éric’s father Elie dit Titi, and RIUS from the family surname Saurel. Éric Saurel has long been regarded as one of the pioneers of sulphur free winemaking in the Rhône, working with native yeasts, minimal intervention and élevage methods designed to preserve energy and site expression rather than weight or oak influence. The wines have gained a strong following for combining the generosity of the Southern Rhône with unusual freshness, precision and drinkability.