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M. Chapoutier
Michel Chapoutier
Avenue Dr Paul Durand 18, 26601 Tain l'Hermitage
(near the central parking place in the centre of the village)
Tel. +33 475 082 865
Direct sale: Monday - Friday 9.00-12.30 and 14.00-19.00
Saturday 9.30-13.00 and 14.00-17.00
Sunday: 10.00-13.00 and 14.00-18.00
Mail:
chapoutier@chapoutier.com
Web: http://www.chapoutier.com/
In 1981 the young Michel Chapoutier stayed at Grace Family
Vineyards in Napa Valley
for a period. Here he learnt about quite another view of
winemaking and of biodynamic methods in the vineyards. Afterwards he joined wine
schools in Macon and
Paris. In 1986 he returned to Tain but as mentioned above he didn't meet understanding
from his father to the new ideas he had learnt about winemaking and the work in
the vineyards.
Let me quote Wineanorac ( I Think
Mr. Chapoutier agree)
"THE
CHAPOUTIER STORY
Michel
Chapoutier’s story is a remarkable one. In 1990, aged only 26 (he was born in
1964), he bought the family business from his grandfather (Marc), and promptly
fired the other family members, including his father Max. It was a mess.
Marc
had nominally handed over Maison Chapoutier to his son Max in 1977, but had
remained very much involved. The young Michel had been travelling to other wine
regions, and when he returned in 1987, he assumed responsibility for
vinification of the Chapoutier family wines. However, his brother and father
retained responsibility for the maturation of these wines, so the wines were not
Michel’s. And the results weren’t good. The business was struggling.
In
1989 Michel had enough: he went to his grandfather and told him that he was
leaving, and that he couldn’t work with his family any more. His grandfather
said he couldn’t leave, and offered to skip a generation, missing out Max and
handing the reins directly to Michel. But Michel didn’t want the benefits of
his hard work to go to underserving family members, so issued an ultimatum: he
wanted to buy the company himself, or he would leave.
Michel
got his way, and the company. Since then, the Chapoutier firm, which was in
grave peril, has been transformed beyond recognition. It is now a thriving
commercial success, and has expanded far beyond its roots in the Rhône."
Today the vineyards owned by his firm are certified biodynamic. The vineyards in
Chateauneuf du Pape covers some 30 ha.
Wines from Chateauneuf du Pape (all matured in
concrete)
Chateauneuf du Pape La Bernadine
2016: 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% other varieties.
This cuvée may contain wine from younger vines, bought wines from other
producers, and may disappoint. The more expensive cuvées are among the very best
wines from the appellation.
When you see the vineyards you will see, that the yield must be very low. Really
like biodynamique vineyards withtout compromises
Chateauneuf du Pape Pie VI
2016: 65% Grenache, 35% Syrah. 40€
Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois
2018: 100% Grenache, 60-80-years-old. From a parcel at lieu-dit Croix de Bois
near Bedarrides. Yield: 10 hl./ha. (2018: 94€)
Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac
2018: 100% Grenache, 90-100-years-old. From a vineyard near Mont-Redon. Yield: 10 hl./ha.
(2018: 130€)
Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc La Bernadine
2018: Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Clairette, Roussane.
A part is aged in demi-muids. (40,5€)
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