Grounding Thai Wines in Terroir
GranMonte’s wines are a true expression of Khao Yai’s terroir. “We’re committed to using only the grapes we grow on our land,” says Nikki. “This ensures our wines stay true to their origin, embodying both the universal traits of their varietals and the unique characteristics of our soil and climate.” Growing grape varietals like Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Durif, Grenache, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, and more, GranMonte prioritises quality over quantity, “We don’t chase volume,” says Nikki.
Not bound by traditions, Nikki’s experiments have also led to the discovery of a unique yeast from their lands. “We isolated natural yeasts from different grape varietals in our vineyard, micro-vinified them, selected the best and even sent them for DNA sequencing. Now, we use them to ferment our wines,” she shares proudly.
Another highlight of GranMonte’s innovation is their Crémant Méthode Traditionnelle Extra Brut – it’s their first sparkling wine and one that holds a special place in Nikki’s heart. A failed attempt at first that turned into a sparkling success, the Crémant is crafted using traditional methods like whole-bunch grape pressing, second fermentation in the bottle, and ageing on lees for 18 months. “It’s a very long and labour-intensive process to put a glass of GranMonte Crémant in a drinker’s hand but it’s worth every effort,” she adds.
This commitment to excellence is reflected in their marketing. “Every bottle proudly states ‘Wine of Thailand’ and ‘Khao Yai Wine Geographical Indication,’” says Nikki. Earning accolades like “Best Wine from Asia” at the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition, GranMonte is a champion of Thai wines on the global stage.
