Fun lunch at Suzette’s Crêperie Wheaton
We found ourselves in Wheaton (IL) for an investment property inspection and running errands, so we dropped in Suzette’s Crêperie for a fun lunch.
This is one of our favorite eateries in the western suburbs with its cozy, warm setting and French bistro cuisine.
We often take advantage of their BYOB policy but did not plan ahead so we ordered from their winelist this interesting, pleasant sipping, southern French Chardonnay.
Domaine De Montrose Languedoc- Roussillon Côtes de Thongue Chardonnay 2024
Domaine Montrose is a historic family run producer that dates back to 1701 when Joseph Alazard received his ‘Three Lizards’ coat of arms which continues to this day as part of the family crest in homage to him, it adorns all of bottles’ and labels to this day.
The estate has belonged to and been managed by the Coste family nine generations. Current proprietor, Bernard Coste is the 8th generation in charge of Domaine Montrose and his son Olivier joined him in 2009, continuing the heritage of 300 years producing wine.
Bernard and Olivier Coste both live on the estate which consists of just under 200 acres of vines, situated around the estate. The vineyards around the winery are planted on a range of rather unusual terroirs with clay-limestone balanced soils. The estate is named after its location, on a volcano (mont) and after the pink-blossomed (rose) almond trees bordering the property.
Domaine Montrose is located in the South of France, a few kilometers from the village of Pézenas and the Mediterranean Sea in the Côtes de Thongue (IGP) wine appellation, in the Languedoc- Roussillon wine region, and the sub region of Herault.
The small Côtes de Thongue appellation is made up of about fifty producers. Interestingly, the producers of this wine appellation have declined the official AOC certification in order to ensure their freedom to produce wines of their liking.
The appellation has a Mediterranean climate: cold and dry winter, hot and dry summer, humid spring and fall. Montrose vines are grown on soils that are typical for this appellation: Villafranchian terraces (small round pebbles), clay-limestone, and basalt.
Committed to protecting the biodiversity of its vineyards, they have planted 21 different species of Mediterranean trees and now have 1,053 trees on the property. These trees and their ecosystem help the healthy management of the vineyards.
Domaine Montrose and its surroundings have been inhabited for millennia, dating back to Roman occupation when it was likely a Roman villa. The historic “Valros Tower” next to the vineyard was a Carolingian necropolis and then a stronghold in the Middle Ages.
Wine has been made at Montrose since the 16th century. Aged underground tanks still exist beneath the wine cellar..
Each terroir is vinified separately. Grapes are destemmed before a short skin contact or a direct pressing. Wines resulting from the different terroirs are blended after fermentation and then aged in stainless steel vats rather than oak barrels to preserve freshness, fruit and minerality, and achieve a distinctive balance and elegance they seek in their unique style.
