Michel Chapoutier: The Legend of the Rhône Valley

One word comes to mind when I think of Michel Chapoutier: Charisma. He has a fascinating, charming and strong personality indeed!

Since the age of 26, Michel has been committed to working closely with the land of Hermitage (Rhône Valley, France). As a young man, he took over his grandfather’s winery and has since taken it to new and lofty heights: Namely, the world-class and world-renowned quality producing winery and vineyard that we all know and love today. Chapoutier is the only producer in the Rhône Valley to own vineyards in every major appellation in the region.

Mostly known for his Sélections Parcellaires portfolio (small-production wines made from specific parcels of land, a.k.a. single vineyards), Michel puts his heart and soul into each and every parcel: “The great cycles that all men of the land must respect are those of our celestial environment: those of the moon, of the sun, of slumber and of awaking. The vine is sensitive to these cosmic rhythms that we endeavor to respect. We endeavor to respect this in our daily work, from the dormant period to harvest.”- Michel Chapoutier. The vineyards are farmed organically and biodynamically. No pesticides or fertilizers are applied. Instead, herbs and minerals are used as compost additives and it shows in the wine.

Through the years, I have had the great fortune and pleasure of sitting with Michel Chapoutier over countless wine tastings and meals. I have experienced firsthand why he has received more 100 point scores from Robert Parker and Wine Spectator than any other winery in the world. Here are some of my favorites:

M. Chapoutier Hermitage Chante-Alouette 2016: 100% Marsanne. Complex and subtle with aromas of quince, walnut, honey, ginger and acacia. Very elegant and smooth on the finish. It would pair very well with foie gras, poultry with white sauce and goat cheese. This Marsanne truly is a great treat!

M. Chapoutier Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne 2012: This 100% Syrah delivers a mouthful of red fruit (blackcurrant and raspberry) and a hint of licorice. Elegant and round on the palate, this gorgeous wine is concentrated and lovely with roasted beef.

M. Chapoutier Ermitage Le Pavillon 2014: 100% Syrah sourced from 90 year-old vines, this wine is complex with raspberry, blackberry, walnut and licorice notes on the nose while velvety and spicy on the palate. Wonderful with beef or matured cheeses.

M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine Rouge 2015: 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre. This delectable blend is the perfect accompaniment to tuna carpaccio or marinated meats. Notes of blackcurrant, plum, coffee, cinnamon and cherry on the nose, and every taste is graced with lovely spices and fruit.

M. Chapoutier also produces a fine collection of every day easy drinking wines. Check out the selection here.

Santé!

Anna