M. Chapoutier Chante-Alouette Hermitage

Grape variety 

Marsanne. 

Terroir 

The grapes from which this wine is produced come from three different vineyards: 

• “Le Méal”: characterized by a soil of very old fluvio-glacial alluvial deposits with a high pebble content. 

• “Les Murets”: whose soil is clay-gravel. Its red clays give the wines a full, rich character. 

• “Chante-Alouette”: a high-lying terroir whose soil is a mixture of loess and very finely decomposed granite. It gives the wine freshness, salinity and acidity. 

Parcels 

The different plots (Méal, Murets and Chante-Alouette) are mainly located in the Ermite lieu-dit area, on high plateaus and plains with excellent exposure. 

Harvest 

Hand-harvested at maturity. 

Vinification

The musts are obtained after a long pressing and are lightly settled before fermentation. Part of the fermentation is carried out in stainless steel tanks and part in demi-muids. The lees are stirred up (bâtonnage) for the first 2-3 months adding texture to the wine. 

Maturing 

40-30% takes place in stainless steel vats. The remaining 60-70% is aged in demi-muids (600 litres) barrels, 10% of which are made of new wood and 90% of wood previously used for one to three wines. 

Tasting 

“Chante-Alouette” is a beautiful example of a Hermitage wine. 

Colour: brilliant and green gold. 

Nose: complex and subtle, aromas of quince, walnut, honey, ginger, acacia with a hint of linden-tree. 

Recommended food pairing: foie gras, crayfish, lobster, fish or poultry in a sauce or stew, white meat, goat’s cheeses, blue cheeses, spicy dishes (excellent with curry), or, with an old vintage, poultry cooked with mushrooms or truffles. 

Serving temperature: 12-14°C. 

Ageing potential: 5-10 years.