Ermitage AOP - De L'Orée - M. Chapoutier - Blanc 2015

Pairing: The Ermitage De L'Orée 2015 pairs perfectly with refined dishes such as sauced fish, shellfish, foie gras, or delicately seasoned poultry. It can also accompany blue-veined cheeses or Mediterranean dishes.

Vintage: 2015

Taste: On the palate, this white wine stands out for its silky texture and voluptuous character. It presents great aromatic complexity, with intense notes of white-fleshed fruits, white flowers, and dried fruits. Subtle hints of honey, beeswax, and hazelnut blend harmoniously, creating a rich and deep bouquet. The oak aging adds delicate touches of toasted wood and vanilla, enhancing the wine's structure. On the palate, the attack is fresh but quickly evolves to reveal great breadth. The flavors of ripe fruits combine with minerality and a long finish, characteristic of the great wines from Hermitage.

Tasting temperature: 10-12°C

Ratings:

R. Parker - Wine Advocate: 98/100

James Suckling: 96/100

Vinous: 95/100

The Estate and the Vineyard

Domaine M. Chapoutier is one of the most prestigious and respected producers in the Rhône Valley wine region of France. Founded in the 19th century, the estate gained international acclaim due to its commitment to excellence, respect for terroir, and expertise. The Chapoutier family has been involved in viticulture since 1808, but it was Michel Chapoutier, who took over the estate in the 1980s, that made it a major player in contemporary winemaking.

Philosophy and Commitment:

The Domaine M. Chapoutier is founded on values of terroir respect, biodiversity, and sustainable viticulture practices. Michel Chapoutier is a pioneer in biodynamic viticulture, an approach that goes beyond organic farming by considering lunar cycles and natural rhythms to promote vine health and grape quality. The estate has been biodynamic certified since 1996 and continually works to reduce its environmental impact. This approach results in wines of great purity, where the expression of the terroir is fully preserved.

Terroirs and Wines:

Domaine M. Chapoutier owns nearly 300 hectares of vineyards spread across some of the most prestigious appellations of the Rhône Valley, including Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Saint-Joseph, and Condrieu, as well as in the Languedoc region. The vineyards are planted on varied terroirs, ranging from the steep slopes of Hermitage to the more clay-limestone soils of Languedoc, allowing for a great diversity of wines, from fine aromatic whites to powerful, complex reds.

The estate is particularly famous for its wines from the Hermitage hill, one of the most emblematic terroirs of the Rhône. The estate's Grand Cru cuvées, such as Hermitage La Chapelle, Côte-Rôtie La Landonne, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, are renowned for their aging potential and the depth and finesse of their aromas.

Winemaking Methods:

Domaine M. Chapoutier adopts modern, nature-friendly winemaking methods while staying true to local traditions. Harvesting is done manually, and the grapes are carefully sorted to retain only the best fruit. Depending on the cuvée, wines are vinified in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels, with extended aging to develop the wine’s complexity. Wines are often aged on their lees to add richness and texture while preserving their freshness and purity.

Wines and Cuvées:

Domaine M. Chapoutier produces a wide range of wines, from whites to reds, with iconic cuvées such as:

- Ermitage La Chapelle: An iconic, complex, and powerful wine, often regarded as one of the best red wines in France.

- Côte-Rôtie La Landonne: An intense and elegant wine that represents the grandeur of this appellation.

- Condrieu Les Chaillees de l’Enfer: An aromatic and floral white wine made from the Viognier grape.

- Châteauneuf-du-Pape: An elegant and well-structured red that captures the essence of this legendary appellation.

- Belleruche: An accessible range that embodies the estate’s quality while remaining at more affordable price points.

Innovation and Recognition:

Domaine M. Chapoutier is recognized for its constant search for innovation, particularly in winemaking, and for its rigor in vineyard work. Michel Chapoutier has also done remarkable work in elevating lesser-known terroirs by creating emblematic cuvées from Saint-Joseph and other Rhône appellations.

In conclusion, Domaine M. Chapoutier is an essential reference in the wine world. Through its visionary approach to biodynamic viticulture, respect for tradition, and commitment to quality, the estate continues to produce wines of exceptional purity, complexity, and longevity. Its wines are a perfect reflection of the exceptional terroirs of the Rhône and are appreciated by wine lovers around the world.