M. Chapoutier : Croix de Bois 2019

A fruity and delicate red wine from Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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 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 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 Croix de Bois cuvée from M. Chapoutier is a Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine made from vines planted on a soil typical of the appellation, composed of large rolled quartzite pebbles with sandy red clay. The vineyard is certified in biodynamics and organic farming.

The vintage

This 2019 vintage is marked by climatic excesses, sometimes violent. After a mild and dry winter, spring gives way to a unleashing of the elements (frost episode in April, storm, hailstorm in May) which weaken the vine without preventing a beautiful flowering in early June. The summer period also brings its share of bad weather. Hail hits some plots in mid-June and a heatwave spreads over the Rhône valley favoring the appearance of a fire that destroys 1.5 hectares of vines. The month of July sees a new storm that does little damage. Finally, in early August, the milder weather allows to catch up with the delay in the vegetative cycle and the vine continues its growth. The harvest, early and fast to fight against the heatwave, begins in early September and ends on October 1st in the south on Châteauneuf-du-Pape with Barbe Rac. This extraordinary season shapes a vintage, with an exceptional tannic structure, preserved by the winemakers from all climatic excesses.

Vinification and aging

The grapes undergo a first rigorous sorting during the harvest. Vinification in closed concrete vats. Maceration for 3 weeks. Exclusive use of the runoff wine. Aging in vats for a period of 14 to 16 months.

Blend

Grenache (100%)

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Croix de Bois 2019 cuvée from M. Chapoutier

Tasting

Color
The color is of an intense red.

Nose
The nose reveals tasty notes of blackberry jam as well as delicate aromas of black fruits.

Palate
Ample and creamy, the palate has broad and racy tannins.

Food and wine pairings

This wine from the Rhône Valley pairs perfectly well with poultry (duck, farm pigeon), small game (pheasant) or cheeses (brie de Meaux).