Chapoutier, Ermitage de L'Oree 2016

The Marsanne grapes used to produce the “De l'Orée” Plot Selection come from the Les Murets plot. It is a soil of very old fluvio-glacial alluvium. The high age of the vines (60 to 70 years) guarantees low yields and quality production. Aging on lees with regular stirring for 6 months. Before bottling, barrel aging is monitored by frequent tastings. Maturation lasts 10 to 12 months. Manual harvest at maturity. After pressing, the must is cold-settled for approximately 24 hours. About 50% is vinified in demi-muids with regular stirring, the rest in vats.

The outspoken Michel Chapoutier is a maverick and an icon in the Rhone valley. He has led the way on biodynamics, is obsessive about proper grape maturity and is as rigorous in the vineyard as they come. Whilst his opinions and straight talking might not always be everybody’s cup of tea, it is rare to hear anything but admiration from his fellow vignerons and winemakers for his dedication, the quality of his wines and the huge impact he has had on the positive image of the Rhone valley. With some wonderful old vines across the varying terroirs of the Hermitage Hill at his disposal, Michel crafts some of the most sought-after Rhone wines in the world.  The style is ripe, concentrated and the although the wines have a modern sheen to them, they certainly each display individuality and terroir characteristics.