Chapoutier Chante-Alouette 2007

Producer

The Chapoutier family have a very long vinous history, they have been making wine in the Rhône valley since 1808. However, it is current owner Michel that has made the most radical changes; he has converted the majority of his estate to biodynamic farming, put Braille on all of the labels, and expanded his vineyard holdings within the Rhône. He has also bought vineyards in Roussillon, Australia, Portugal, and his most recent acquisition is Schieferkopf in Alsace. He is also, according to Decanter magazine, looking for land in England to plant vines. The most interesting property for me, excluding the rumours of English wine, is the estate in Alsace as it is a complete move away from the traditional Rhone varieties* – the focus of his other properties. However, as these wines are currently unavailable in the UK, this week the Wine of the Week is one of his top Rhone whites.

Chante-Alouette (literally translated Sing-Lark) is one of the oldest plots in the vineyards of Hermitage. The soils are Loess covered by chalky-clay, and the vines have a full southerly exposure. Chante-Alouette is made from 100% Marsanne and the grapes are hand harvested. Fermentation takes place in a mix of new oak barrels and stainless steel vats before being aged in oak for between 10 to 12 months prior to bottling.

* The best known Rhône varieties include: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault, Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, Piquepoul Blanc, Clairette.

Tasting Note

Root Day

The Chapoutier Chante-Alouette 2007 has an incredibly intense nose revealing aromas of quince, lemon, and spices followed by a floral (blossom) note. The palate is oily and rich, with a lovely velvety body which is filled with complex notes of peach, honey and almonds. The crisp acidity balances the weight, and enables the wine to have a very long finish.

May 2011