M. Chapoutier : Chante-Alouette 2017

M.Chapoutier reveals a fresh and complex Hermitage white wine

The estate

Established since 1808 in Tain-L'Hermitage, M. Chapoutier is an elite reference among fine Rhône Valley wines today.

Winemaker and wine merchant, Michel Chapoutier has successfully brought this family-owned business to the very top. The wines by Maison Chapoutier are renowned by the finest connoisseurs from all around the world for their refinement and high quality. A man of many talents, Michel Chapoutier holds the world record for 100/100 scores awarded by the American critic, Robert Parker. Mathilde, Michel Chapoutier's daughter, has taken over the running of this iconic house, which has over 350 hectares of vineyards in the most prestigious appellations of the northern and southern Rhône Valley region.

The vineyard

This Hermitage Chante Alouette by M. Chapoutier is made from three vineyards: "Le Méal" with its soil composed of alluvium and pebbles, the clay and gravel terroir of "Les Murets" and lastly "Chante-Alouette", a high-altitude vineyard whose loess soils with finely decomposed granite give the wine freshness, salinity and acidity. Enjoying an ideal location on the high plateaus and plains of the Ermite area, these three great terroirs benefit from a good exposure.

Vinification and ageing

Hand picked. Long pressing and light settling before fermentation, partly in stainless steel vats and partly in demi-muids. Regular stirring of the lees during the first 2-3 months develops the texture of the wine. This wine is aged in stainless steel tanks (40-30%) but also in demi-muids (60-70%) with 10% new barrels and 90% one to three-year-old barrels.

The blend

M. Chapoutier's Hermitage Chante Alouette is a 100% Marsanne.

Chante-Alouette 2017 by M. Chapoutier: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

The brilliant colour is a beautiful gold with subtle green highlights.

Nose

The complex and subtle nose blends fragrances of quince, walnut, honey, ginger and acacia with a hint of lime blossom.

Palate

A bold attack, the palate is marked by its elegance as well as its persistent finish with delicious notes of almonds.

Service

For an optimal tasting, serve at 12-14 °C.

Cellaring

A great vintage produced in Chante Alouette, 2017 stands out for its subtle combination of complexity and freshness. This wine can be enjoyed now or cellared until 2027 to express its full range of aromas.

Food and wine pairing

M. Chapoutier's Hermitage Chante Alouette 2017 will complement fish or seafood dishes (lobster, crayfish), foie gras, meat (poultry in sauce, white meat, poultry cooked with mushrooms or truffles), spicy dishes (curry), or cheese (goat's cheese, blue cheese).