M. Chapoutier : Les Greffieux 2008

A refined and delicate Ermitage red wine

The estate

Established since 1808 in Tain-L’Hermitage, the M. Chapoutier House today embodies the elite of the greatest names in the wines of the Rhône Valley.

Vinegrower and merchant, Michel Chapoutier has managed over the vintages to lead this family business to the top. The wines of the Chapoutier House are recognized for their refinement and high quality by the finest connoisseurs beyond borders. A man of many hats, Michel Chapoutier holds the world record for 100/100 scores awarded by American critic Robert Parker. Mathilde, Michel Chapoutier's daughter, has taken up the torch of this iconic house, overseeing a vineyard of over 350 hectares across the most prestigious appellations of the northern and southern Rhône Valley.

The vineyard

Les Greffieux by M. Chapoutier, named after the first owner of the plot, is a Ermitage wine produced in single varietal. The plot located at the foot of the Hermitage hill consists of a terrace of glacial alluvium. This vineyard owes its uniqueness to its subsoil composed of deep clays, giving the wine finesse and aromatic richness, as well as rolled pebbles restoring heat and providing concentration and structure.

Vinification and aging

Harvested at full maturity, the grapes are completely destemmed before vinification in cement tanks. Long maceration to promote gentle extraction of tannins. Exclusive use of runoff juice. The aging, lasting 14 to 18 months, is carried out exclusively in barrels (of which 1/3 are new, the rest in barrels of one or two wines).

Blend

Syrah (100%).

Characteristics and tasting advice for Les Greffieux 2008 by M. Chapoutier

Tasting

Color
The color is of an intense garnet red hue.

Nose
The nose charms with its surprising fragrances of ink and black pepper carried by delicious notes of small black fruits.

Palate
The palate reveals a beautiful tannic structure and licorice flavors.