M. Chapoutier : De l'Orée 2017

An elegant white Ermitage wine with a rich aromatic palette

The estate

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

As a winemaker and merchant, Michel Chapoutier has managed to lead this family business to the top over the vintages. The wines of Maison Chapoutier 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 scores 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 northern and southern Rhône Valley.

The vineyard

The De l’Orée 2017 parcel cuvée from M. Chapoutier is an Ermitage wine made from grapes from the Murets plot, which is unique due to its soil composed of very ancient fluvio-glacial alluvium. These old vines, averaging 60 to 70 years old, are known for their low yields producing high quality wines.

Vinification and aging

Manual harvest at full maturity. Pressing followed by a settling of the musts in the cold for about 24 hours. The vinification is carried out approximately 50% in demi-muids with regular stirring and 50% in vats. This wine benefits from an aging of 10 to 12 months, including 6 months on lees accompanied by regular stirring.

Blend

Marsanne (100%)

Characteristics and tasting advice for the De l’Orée 2017 cuvée from M. Chapoutier

Tasting

Coming from a year marked by an early harvest, this 2017 vintage seduces with its creamy power, its great finesse and its optimal balance between refined bitterness and acidity. While we find notes of reduction characteristic of Ermitage wines in their youth, the palate reveals a beautiful structure mixed with aromas of matchstick tips and toasted sesame.