M. Chapoutier Winery No name is more closely associated with the greatness of the Rhône valley than M. Chapoutier. The history of the Chapoutier family stretches back to the early nineteenth century when current owner Michel Chapoutier’s great-, great-, great-grandfather Marius purchased an estate and some vineyards in the now famous village of Tain l’Hermitage in the Northern Rhône Valley. Marius Chapoutier made history in the region when he became the first grape grower there to vinify his own fruit. Marius had tasted wines other winemakers produced using his fruit and he realized that something was lost in translation, so to speak. He knew that he owned some of the best growing sites in the appellation and he believed — rightly — that the grapes grown in his vineyards could produce long-lived world-class wines. In a move unusual at the time, he decided that he should make the wine himself. Not only did the quality of the wines increase greatly, but this move provided the capital to expand the Chapoutiers’ already legendary estate. A visionary and pioneer in biodynamic winemaking, his restless energy and unconditional commitment to quality have produced tremendous success, with the most 90+ point ratings of all Rhône producers and 16 "100 point" rated wines. |  | Featured this month: 2009 Côtes-du-Rhône Belleruche Blanc Michel Chapoutier says that one of the most difficult tasks of a vineyardist and winemaker is to make a serious, high-quality wine, yet have it remain a good value. His "Belleruche" wines accomplish just that. M. Chapoutier Belleruche Blanc is a great introduction to one of the world's most celebrated wine appellations: the Côtes-du-Rhône region. Blend: 60% Grenache, 20% Clairette, 20% Bourboulenc. The wine is pale yellow in color and clear. On the nose there is green apple, hawthorn and white blossoms, citrus aromas and exoitic fruits. The taste is fresh and well-balanced, with a lot of fatness and length. |