M. Chapoutier : Le Méal 2014

The elegance and harmony of an Ermitage red wine

The estate

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

Winemaker and wine merchant, Michel Chapoutier has successfully brought this family-owned business to the very top. The wines by Maison Chapoutier are renowned by the finest connoisseurs from all around the world for their refinement and high quality. A man of many talents, Michel Chapoutier holds the world record for 100/100 scores awarded by the American critic, Robert Parker. Mathilde, Michel Chapoutier's daughter, has taken over the running of this iconic house, which has over 350 hectares of vineyards in the most prestigious appellations of northern and southern Rhône Valley.

The vineyard

Le Méal 2014 is a plot-selected Ermitage wine made from grapes from the eponymous hillside. The soil on these high terraces is made up of rolled pebbles and clay. These old vines, on average over 50 years old, are known for their low yields, which produce high quality wines.

Winemaking and ageing

Harvested by hand at full ripeness. The grapes were 100% destemmed and vinified in small cement vats. Maceration at high temperature in order to favour optimal extraction and obtain supple and silky tannins, the guarantee of an important ageing potential. This plot selection is made exclusively from free-run wine. The wine was aged for 14-18 months in new or one-wine barrels. Clarification was done naturally.

Blend

Le Méal 2014 from M. Chapoutier is a 100% Syrah.