M. Chapoutier : Bila-Haut R.I. 2019

The delicacy and density of a red wine from Roussillon signed M. Chapoutier

The property

Established since 1808 in Tain-L'Hermitage, the M. Chapoutier House embodies today the elite of the greatest names in the wines of the Rhône Valley.

Vinegrower and merchant, Michel Chapoutier has managed over the vintages to lead this family business to the top. The wines of the Chapoutier House are recognized for their refinement and high quality by the finest connoisseurs beyond borders. A man of many hats, Michel Chapoutier holds the world record for 100/100 ratings awarded by American critic Robert Parker. Mathilde, Michel Chapoutier's daughter, has taken up the torch of this iconic house, overseeing a vineyard of over 350 hectares across the most prestigious appellations of the Rhône Valley, but also in Roussillon, Australia, Portugal.

The vineyard

The Bila-Haut R.I. 2019 is a wine from the Côtes du Roussillon Villages from the plot located in the municipality of Lesquerde in the sector with the latest vegetative cycle in the department. The vines, facing north and on a slight slope, are planted on infertile, granitic, ferrous and stony soils.

Vinification and aging

After manual harvesting in early October, the harvest is destemmed and then vinified in small concrete vats. The wine then undergoes gentle extraction by light pumping over or punching down during active fermentation with a total maceration of 4 to 5 weeks. The aging, lasting about 18 months, is partly done in demi-muids of two wines and then the last six months in concrete vats to refine the silky touch of the tannins.

Blend

Syrah (100%)

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Bila-Haut R.I. 2019 from M. Chapoutier

Tasting

Color
The deep color has an intense red hue with violet reflections.

Nose
Intense and complex, the nose reveals notes of ink and graphite mixed with those of raspberry and cistus flower.

Palate
Pure expression of its granitic terroir, the delicate palate from the attack gradually develops a density and a remarkable tannic structure carried by touches of violet and white pepper.