Côte-Rôtie Les Bécasses Chapoutier 1998

Lot presentation

Côte-Rôtie Les Bécasses Chapoutier 1998

The wine

Bécasses’ soil is formed of shale on the south and south-east hillsides, which gives the Syrah real strength, while expressing elegant floral notes. Harvesting is manual, the grapes are vinified in concrete vats and daily punch-down is done to extract the tannins as well as a good colour. The ageing process lasts from 14 to 16 months, 80% in oak barrels. The remaining 20% ​​is aged in stainless steel vats to maintain the Syrah’s fruity nature. When drinking, the Côte-Rôtie Les Bécasses exudes an aroma of raspberry and violet with spicy notes. Flavoursome and deep on the palate, the finish is both woody and spicy.

Maison Chapoutier is without doubt one of the most prestigious names in the Rhône producing some of the finest Hermitage. The domain converted its 300 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 South Australia.
This family's winemaking journey started way back in 1806 but 1879 was a turning point when 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. Together, they continue the family's story, all while highlighting Rhône's great terroirs.