Bouygues lives with his wife Melissa Bouygues in a large house (or more a castle) in France. The castle was originally owned by his mother Monique. She died in 2017.
Martin also owns a wine house named Chateau Montrose. His wife Melissa is Chairwoman at Montrose.
Chateau Montrose is a renowned winery located in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of the Bordeaux region in France. Known for its prestigious wines, it is classified as one of the fourteen Deuxièmes Crus (Second Growths) in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.
Chateau Montrose was founded in the early 19th century when Theodor Dumoulin purchased a piece of land called “La Lande de l’Escargeon” and planted vineyards. The estate took its name, Montrose, from the pink (rose) heather that colored the hillsides of the property.
The property encompasses approximately 95 hectares, and the vineyard area spans around 68 hectares. The vines are planted with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, reflecting the typical composition for Bordeaux red wines.
Chateau Montrose is highly esteemed for producing wines with great depth and complexity, known for their longevity. The wines are typically characterized by their deep color, the intense aroma of black fruits, and robust tannins. These wines can take several years to reach their peak but can also be aged for decades, improving with time.
The estate changed hands several times during its history, with the Bouygues brothers (Martin and Olivier), who are also prominent in the French construction industry, acquiring it in 2006. The estate has seen significant investment and development under their ownership, including a commitment to environmentally friendly practices and a move towards biodynamic viticulture.
In addition to its primary wine, Chateau Montrose, the estate also produces a second wine named La Dame de Montrose, which is typically lighter and matures earlier, providing an accessible option for those who wish to enjoy the Montrose style without extended cellaring.