Rouge Clair by M. Chapoutier

Chapoutier, or Maison M. Chapoutier, is a winery and negociant business situated in Tain-l’Hermitage in the Rhone region in France. Chapoutier produces wine from appellations across the Rhone region, but it is typically their top Hermitage wines, both red and white, that receive the most attention and accolades.

Crozes-Hermitage is the largest appellation in the Northern Rhone, making red wines from Syrah, although up to 15% Marsanne or Roussanne is permitted in red wines. The Petite Ruche Crozes-Hermitage Rouge is 100% Syrah harvested from rocky terraces which gives the fruit a distinct roundness and finesse.

Vinification

At once visionary in its elaboration and singular in its tasting, this Rouge Clair is made from 80% Grenache noir and 20% Syrah carefully selected from the clay – limestone terraces of the Montagne Noir foothills.

After de-stemming and vatting, the grapes are yeasted and cooled for 72 hours without intervention to limit color extraction and enhance aromas. Alcoholic fermentation then continues at 20C, followed by light sulfiting after malolactic fermentation to preserve the fruits brilliance.

Tasting Notes

This pale Red comes from Grenache noire and Syrah grapes, carefully selected from the terraces of the Black Mountain foothills, a brilliant bottle of freshness with the crisp taste of fruit! The expression of these two varieties reveals delicate tannins and the aroma of raspberries and small red fruits. Visionary and singular on tasting; the perfect new wine to take you through summer: a red to enjoy chilled or with ice.

Enjoy chilled as an aperitif or with charcuterie.