M. Chapoutier : Le Méal 2024

Characteristics and tasting advice for Le Méal 2024 by M. Chapoutier

Tasting

Nose
The nose reveals a beautiful aromatic typicity, marked by peppery notes and remarkable floral precision. It exudes rich aromas of very ripe black fruits, such as blackberry and blackcurrant, subtly complemented by hints of cocoa and smoky nuances.

Palate
Full-bodied without being heavy, the palate offers superb balance between structural density and freshness. Driven by lively acidity and dense, tightly knit tannins, the tasting reveals great intensity along with a persistent finish, highlighted by a saline touch and an abundance of fruit.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs wonderfully with bold red meats featuring powerful flavors. It will particularly enhance game-based dishes, such as wild boar leg, venison, or doe.

Serving and cellaring

With exceptional aging potential, Le Méal 2024 requires a few years of patience in the cellar to reach full maturity. It will thus evolve and gain complexity over several decades.

The balance and aromatic precision of an Ermitage red wine

The estate

Founded in 1808 in Tain, the Maison M. Chapoutier is a true institution of the Rhône Valley. Now led by Michel Chapoutier, representing the seventh generation, the estate spans approximately 355 hectares of vineyards around the world. A pioneer and visionary, the domaine stands out for its philosophy centered on biodynamics, adopted as early as 1991, and its parcel-based approach aimed at expressing the purity of each terroir. Supported by his children Mathilde and Maxime, Michel Chapoutier continues the excellence of an estate globally renowned for its authentic wines.

The vineyard

The Le Méal cuvée comes from a plot of approximately 2.2 hectares located within the prestigious Ermitage appellation. This unique terroir is characterized by high terraces composed of clay and rounded pebbles that retain heat. Benefiting from generous southern exposure, the vineyard is planted with old vines aged between 50 and over 70 years. The entire vineyard is cultivated according to strict biodynamic principles, promoting soil microbial life to faithfully reflect the site’s geological identity.

The vintage

The year 2024 stands out for cooler climatic conditions than previous vintages, reminiscent of the weather patterns of the 1990s. This climate allowed for slow and gradual ripening of the berries. Harvesting thus proceeded smoothly until mid-October, yielding grapes of remarkable balance, far from the excessive heat of prior years.

Vinification and aging

The production of Le Méal 2024 follows a low-intervention, biodynamic approach, where harvest dates are guided by lunar and celestial cycles. Vinification includes a proportion of whole clusters during fermentation, combined with shorter maceration periods. These precise technical choices aim to limit extraction in favor of the grape variety’s finesse.

Grape variety

Le Méal 2024 by M. Chapoutier is made from 100% Syrah.