Lot presentation

Condrieu Coteau De Chery Chapoutier 2011

The wine

Chapoutier, the iconic Rhône Valley house with vines spanning over 350 hectares in both the north and south of the region, needs no introduction. The House offers us this Condrieu white wine from the Coteau de Chery. The Viognier grapes in this wine draw the nutrients they require to flourish from soils consisting of degraded granite and micaschist rocks, thanks to environmentally friendly cultivation methods, combined with ideal south-facing exposure. The hand-harvested grapes are thoroughly sorted before vinification, which is characterised by whole bunch pressing. Fermentation is triggered by native yeasts in casks at a regulated temperature of 17 °C, to preserve the delicate aromas of the grapes. The wine is then aged in demi-muids (600-litre big barrels) for eight months and in vats for two months.
Tasting reveals a pale yellow colour with an intense fragrance characterised by floral (honeysuckle, acacia), fruity (pear, mirabelle plum) and empyreumatic notes. The full-bodied palate is balanced by minerality which adds tension. The finish lingers on noble bitters.

About the Producer Chapoutier

Maison Chapoutier is without doubt one of the most prestigious names in the Rhône producing some of the finest Hermitage. The domain converted its 360 hectares of vines to biodynamic viticulture, making it the largest vineyard to adopt this method of cultivation. It has held certification since 1999. Chapoutier is often one of the last estates to harvest its grapes so that they are at optimal ripeness.The Chapoutier savoir faire has spread to other vineyards in other winemaking regions: Provence, Beaujolais, Roussillon, Champagne, Alsace, Portugal but also Australia. In 1879, Polydor Chapoutier bought a few hectares of vines and started a negociant business. Seven generations have succeeded him, and Michel Chapoutier is currently at the helm, supported by his children Mathilde and Maxime. Since 1996, all the labels have been transcribed in braille.