Domaine de la Chapelle : La Chapelle 2023

Characteristics and Tasting Notes for La Chapelle 2023 Domaine de la Chapelle

Tasting

Colour
The colour reveals a deep ruby red hue, both clear and radiant.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet reveals scents of black raspberries and redcurrants, intertwined with notes of smoked herbs, pepper and subtle meaty touches, all enhanced by delicate floral notes reminiscent of violet.

Palate
With a medium to full body, this wine offers a harmonious and layered texture. The tannins are exceptionally fine, supporting a deep mid-palate with flavours of black fruits and tart cherry, extending into a remarkable finish.

Food and wine pairing

This red wine pairs perfectly with lamb-based dishes, but will also enhance meats such as veal, pork, beef, duck or game. It also pairs wonderfully with Asian cuisine, meaty fish such as tuna, as well as mushroom-based recipes.

Service and storage

To fully appreciate La Chapelle 2023, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature of 15.5°C. This wine, built for long-term ageing, will require a few years of patience in the cellar and can be enjoyed until around 2060.

The classic and refined expression of a wine from the Hermitage appellation

The estate

The winemaking history of this institution of the Rhône Valley in France formally began in 1834. Owned by the Frey family since 2006, the estate underwent a major turning point in 2021 with the creation of the independent entity Domaine de la Chapelle, thereby separating this legendary cuvée from the rest of the production. Spanning a 26-hectare vineyard, the estate stands out for its deep commitment to a caring, environmentally responsible approach to viticulture. Today, the Frey family carries on this heritage by combining traditional artisanal methods with modern infrastructure.

The vineyard

Situated on the steep slopes of the famous hill within the Hermitage appellation, the vineyard benefits from a south-facing exposure and optimal sunshine. The vines, aged between 40 and 100 years, thrive on a mosaic of soils composed of sandy gravel, limestone and a granite bedrock that retains heat. Trained in gobelet on stakes, this demanding terroir is worked exclusively by hand. All the plots have been certified organic since 2016 and farmed according to biodynamic principles since 2018.

The vintage

2023 was marked by particularly contrasting and challenging weather conditions. The growing cycle had to contend with relentless downpours followed by periods of intense heat. Despite these meteorological upheavals, the vines planted on the hillsides showed remarkable resilience in bringing the grapes to optimal ripeness.

Winemaking and ageing

The grapes, hand-harvested in small crates, undergo rigorous sorting. Fermentation lasts around ten days using indigenous yeasts, followed by gentle extraction through punching down and pumping over, then a post-fermentation maceration of about two weeks. La Chapelle 2023 is aged for twelve months in French oak barrels, 15% of which are new, as well as in concrete egg-shaped vats allowing for gradual oxygenation.

Grape variety

100% Syrah.