M. Chapoutier : Bila-Haut V.I.T. 2024

Characteristics and tasting advice for Bila-Haut "V.I.T." 2024 by M. Chapoutier

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep garnet-red hue, illuminated by subtle purplish highlights.

Nose

The aromatic bouquet opens with intense notes of black cherry, harmoniously complemented by hints of garrigue, sandy herbs, and a very distinctive underlying minerality.

Palate

The attack is straightforward, supported by tannins that are both dense and silky. The mid-palate reveals aromas of black cherry and spices, notably pepper, before stretching into a rich, long finish of great airy purity.

Food and wine pairings

This red wine pairs wonderfully with richly flavored meats such as game, truffle-based preparations, or fine roasted cuts of beef. It also boldly complements a tomato tart with caramelized onions and brie, as well as Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as rosemary-roasted lamb or recipes featuring black olives and capers.

Serving and cellaring

To fully appreciate Bila-Haut "V.I.T." 2024, it is recommended to decant it for two to three hours before serving, at an ideal temperature of 16 to 17°C. With its solid structure, this wine benefits from time in the cellar and can evolve beautifully until around 2044 for bottles stored under optimal conditions (between 12 and 15°C).

The authentic expression of a great Roussillon terroir by M. Chapoutier

The estate

Founded in 1808 in the Rhône Valley, the Maison M. Chapoutier has established itself as a global reference thanks to its biodynamic philosophy and parcel-based selections. In 2000, the Bila-Haut estate was acquired in Roussillon, illustrating a desire to explore sun-drenched and complex terroirs. Today, Michel Chapoutier leads the estate, while gradually passing the reins to his children, Mathilde and Maxime. A pioneer of inclusivity with its braille labels, the producer stands out for its absolute respect for the environment and its pursuit of the purest expression of each site.

The vineyard

Located in the Agly Valley, in the Latour de France area, this terroir of the Côtes du Roussillon Villages appellation is distinguished by its arid climate, swept by the powerful tramontane wind. The vines, aged between 40 and 70 years, grow on steep terraces composed of a complex geological mosaic: brown and black schist, gneiss bringing freshness, as well as limestone fragments. This vineyard is managed according to strict biodynamic principles, without any chemical products, in order to preserve soil vitality. The name of this cuvée, meaning "Visitare Interiore Terrae," reflects the desire to express the depth of the earth.

The vintage

The year 2024 in Roussillon was marked by particularly demanding climatic conditions. The growing cycle had to contend with episodes of spring frost, followed by sanitary pressure linked to humidity, mildew, and poor fruit set during flowering. These weather challenges resulted in lower yields and uneven ripeness, but ultimately produced berries with lower pH levels, offering remarkable freshness and mineral intensity.

Winemaking and aging

For Bila-Haut "V.I.T." 2024, the Grenache grapes are fully destemmed, while 15% whole clusters are retained for the rest of the harvest. Extraction is carried out gently, exclusively through manual punch-downs, without any mechanical pumping. Maceration lasts at least four weeks in concrete tanks. The aging process then continues for 18 months, combining the use of barrels and 600-liter wooden vessels (Clayver), promoting slow maturation without imparting excessive oak influence on the wine.

Grape varieties

65% Grenache
35% Syrah