"This Grand Cru property is situated in the commune of St. Laurent-des-Combes, a few kilometers southeast of the picturesque town of Saint-Émilion. It is a small wine-grower house dating back to the 18th century. The property's name may sound a little strange, but it goes back many centuries to a time before vineyards and vines existed. The hillside was previously used to feed cattle, and the name "Roteboeuf" originates from that.

François Mitjavile took over Tertre Roteboeuf from his father-in-law (the Gilard family) in 1978; the 1978 vintage was the first he made entirely by himself. Before that, he had worked for two years at the famous Château Figeac and then spent several years at Tertre Roteboeuf to learn as much as possible about winemaking.

The 1985 vintage was the turning point for François Mitjavile on the wine scene. A new cult wine was born, and since then, the quality has continued to improve, allowing Tertre Roteboeuf to easily compete with Premiers Grand Cru Classés in Saint-Émilion, the best 2nd Crus Classés in Haut-Médoc, and even challenge First Growths.

5.7 ha of vines are planted, with 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. Merlot vines are 45 years old, while Cabernet Franc ones are five years older. The subsoil consists of four kinds of clay resting on the bed of limestones. This combination of subsoil, which is typical for the majority of vineyards in Saint-Émilion "Côtes" (slopes), is described as "cold soil" because clay needs a long time to be warmed up, and limestones are always humid and cold. This means grapes can take advantage of the sun and reach perfect maturity very late. It also means that harvest can be late as well. Several of Francois Mitjavile's vintages could easily have been labeled vendange tardive."