M. Chapoutier : Les Bécasses 1998

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Côte-Rôtie "Les Bécasses" 1998 M. Chapoutier

Tasting notes

Colour
The colour reveals a deep red hue with violet nuances.

Nose
Wonderfully rich, the aromatic bouquet exudes scents of raspberry and violet, intertwined with spicy notes, rosemary, black olive and tapenade.

Palate
Full-bodied and endowed with a lovely depth, the palate rests on a delicate tannic structure that stretches towards a finish marked by woody, vanilla and spicy touches.

Food and wine pairing

This French red wine pairs wonderfully with small game such as pheasant, roast duck, tender red meats or lamb chops with Provençal herbs. It will also shine alongside spicy dishes or a board of mature cheeses.

Service and storage

Boasting lovely concentration, this Côte-Rôtie "Les Bécasses" 1998 has extended aging potential, allowing it to evolve favourably over the years.

Other characteristics

True to the estate's commitments, this wine is certified organic and biodynamic. It is also suitable for a vegan diet. Its label also features a Braille inscription, a true inclusive signature of the house.

The richness and depth of a Côte-Rôtie wine by M. Chapoutier

The estate

Founded in 1808 in Tain, the house of M. Chapoutier is a true institution of the Rhône Valley. Under the visionary leadership of Michel Chapoutier from the 1990s onward, the estate revolutionized its practices by turning to biodynamics and creating precise parcel selections. Today, the new generation embodied by Mathilde and Maxime Chapoutier continues this pursuit of excellence. Renowned worldwide for its respect for terroir and its humanitarian initiatives, the estate exemplifies the perfect balance between winemaking tradition and bold innovation.

The vineyard

This wine comes from the prestigious Côte-Rôtie appellation, characterized by its extremely steep terraced slopes, which prohibit any mechanization. The vines, worked entirely by hand at altitudes ranging from 150 to 300 meters, benefit from an ideal south-facing exposure and a micro-climate tempered by the bise wind. The soils consist of a rich blend of chloritic and ferruginous mica-schist, granite, gore and loess, giving the wine its power and floral elegance.

The vintage

The year 1998 stands out as an exceptional period for the region. Following very favourable weather conditions, the harvest benefited from excellent sunshine, allowing perfectly healthy berries to be picked. This mild growing cycle produced grapes with superb concentration and ideal balance.

Winemaking and aging

Crafted according to biodynamic principles, the Côte-Rôtie "Les Bécasses" 1998 undergoes full destemming before being placed in concrete vats. Fermentation, carried out using indigenous yeasts, is accompanied by daily punching down under a controlled temperature not exceeding 33°C. After a maceration period of three to four weeks, the wine undergoes aging for 14 to 16 months. This takes place 80% in oak barrels (mostly new) to provide structure, and 20% in stainless steel vats to preserve the brightness of the fruit.

Grape varieties

Syrah, which may be complemented by a small proportion of white Viognier.