M. Chapoutier : Barbe Rac 2024

Tasting notes and recommendations for Barbe Rac 2024 by M. Chapoutier

Tasting

Appearance
The wine displays an intense garnet red color.

Nose
The nose reveals beautiful aromatic complexity, blending notes of red fruits such as strawberry with herbal touches, sweet spices reminiscent of licorice, and subtle hints of chocolate.

Palate
Full-bodied and fleshy, the palate offers a round and dense texture. It unfolds fruity flavors dominated by strawberry and raspberry, while maintaining a warm and indulgent profile that lingers on a long finish.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs perfectly with dishes in sauce or marinated meats, such as leg of lamb, beef stew, or duck with mushrooms. It also complements rich vegetarian dishes like moussaka, as well as a platter of aged cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

With significant aging potential, Barbe Rac 2024 can be cellared and will continue to evolve until around 2074.

The pure expression of century-old grenache in Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The estate

Founded in 1808 in Tain, the M. Chapoutier estate is a key figure in the Rhône Valley. Under the leadership of Michel Chapoutier, the current owner who took over in 1990, the estate fully converted to biodynamic practices. Today, the property manages an extensive vineyard of 389 hectares. Renowned for its single-parcel selections that faithfully reflect the identity of each terroir, the estate also stands out for its commitment to accessibility, notably through the addition of Braille inscriptions on its bottles.

The vineyard

Located on the western edge of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, this cuvée comes from the lieu-dit Barbe d'Asne. The terroir lies on a Quaternary terrace covered with large rolled pebbles, which store heat during the day and release it to the vines at night. Deep down, the soil features a complex geological structure. The vines, planted around 1901, benefit from deep root systems and naturally low yields, promoting excellent berry concentration.

Winemaking and aging

After rigorous sorting during harvest, the vinification of Barbe Rac 2024 takes place in closed concrete tanks for approximately three weeks, at temperatures maintained between 30 and 33 degrees. To ensure the highest quality, only free-run wine is retained for this single-parcel selection. The aging process then takes place exclusively in concrete tanks for a period of 16 to 20 months, preserving aromatic purity without any oak influence.

Grape variety

This Barbe Rac 2024 by M. Chapoutier is made from 100% grenache.