M. Chapoutier : Le Méal 2018

An elegant and refined Ermitage red wine

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.

Vine grower and merchant, Michel Chapoutier has managed over the vintages to lead this family business to the top. 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

Parcel selection, Le Méal 2018 from M. Chapoutier is an Ermitage wine made from grapes from the eponymous hillside. The soil of these high terraces is made up of rolled pebbles and clays. These old vines, over 50 years old on average, are known for their low yield, producing high-quality wines.

Vinification and aging

Manual harvest at full maturity. 100% destemmed, the grapes are vinified in small cement vats. Maceration at high temperature to promote optimal extraction and obtain soft and silky tannins, guarantees of a significant aging potential. This parcel selection is made exclusively from free-run wine. The aging of 14 to 18 months is carried out in new barrels or one-wine barrels. The clarification is done naturally.

Blend

Syrah (100%)

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Le Méal 2018 cuvée from M. Chapoutier

Tasting

With great balance and beautiful persistence, this Ermitage red wine is sharp in its mineral tension with notes of celery, matchstick tips and toasted sesame. The acidity is remarkable for this terroir.

Service

It is recommended to decant this wine from the Rhône Valley in its youth to exhale its full aromatic palette.