M. Chapoutier : Neve 2020

A complex and precise red wine from Côte-Rôtie

The estate

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 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

Neve 2020 from M. Chapoutier is a Côte-Rôtie wine made from a vineyard located on the hillside of the eponymous place, located in Ampuis. Ideally exposed south / southeast, this terroir owes its uniqueness to its soil composed of schists and micaschists as well as a few veins of earth on the middle part of the hillside.

Vinification and aging

Harvested manually at full maturity, the grapes undergo total destemming before vinification exclusively in raw concrete vats. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts precedes a maceration of 4 to 5 weeks supplemented by regular pump-overs at the beginning of maceration as well as a few punch-downs. Lees work is carried out during the last 3 weeks of maceration.

Operated by hot racking after run-offs and a sedimentation of 24 to 48 hours to eliminate the coarsest lees, aging in 228-liter Burgundy barrels (of which 25 to 30% are new barrels) lasts from 14 to 18 months, with a racking carried out at the end of winter.

Blend

Syrah (100%).

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Neve 2020 cuvée from M. Chapoutier

Tasting

Color
Of an intense black color, the robe is adorned with subtle satin reflections.

Nose
The nose blends fragrances of graphite and cold smoke with fruity notes and bramble leaves.

Palate
A powerful attack gives way to a pure and complex palate. The precise tannins combine with aromas of black pepper and roasting. Persistent, the finish reveals a seductive salinity.

Cellaring

The Neve 2020 cuvée from M. Chapoutier is accessible today. Decanting before service is recommended.

Food and wine pairings

This wine from the Rhône Valley ideally pairs with roasted small game (pheasant, thrush), a woodcock or even a roasted quail with black truffle.