M. Chapoutier : Les Bécasses 2017

Characteristics and tasting notes for the Côte-Rôtie "Les Bécasses" 2017 by M. Chapoutier

Tasting

Color
The color reveals a deep purplish-red hue, reflecting fine concentration combined with great freshness.

Nose
Remarkably elegant, the aromatic bouquet opens with dominant notes of raspberry and violet. It is then enriched with spicy, peppery nuances, complemented by touches of Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary, along with mineral accents reminiscent of black olive and tapenade.

Palate
The attack is full and deep, revealing a generous structure. The tannins are velvety and well-integrated, offering fine definition without any harshness. The harmonious finish lingers with delicate oaky, spicy, and vanilla notes that highlight the brilliance of the fruit.

Food and wine pairing

This red wine pairs wonderfully with small game such as pheasant or duck, as well as with tender red meats like lamb or beef, ideally accompanied by a wine-based sauce. It also enhances mushroom-based dishes, particularly a chanterelle mousseline, and pairs beautifully with soft-ripened cheeses with mineral undertones.

Service and storage

For optimal tasting, it is recommended to decant this Côte-Rôtie "Les Bécasses" 2017 about an hour before serving, and to enjoy it at a temperature between 15 and 17°C. This wine can be enjoyed now but will continue to evolve favorably until around 2032, provided it is stored lying down in a cool, dark place.

The elegance and complexity of a fine expression of Côte-Rôtie

The estate

Founded in 1808, the house of M. Chapoutier is an iconic figure of the Rhône Valley, in France. Under the leadership of Michel Chapoutier, who took over in 1990, the estate underwent a true revolution by adopting biodynamic viticulture to allow the terroir to fully express itself. Today, Michel runs the estate alongside his children, Mathilde and Maxime. Renowned worldwide for its excellence and its values of inclusion, illustrated by the use of braille on its labels, the house cultivates the art of revealing the unique identity of each plot.

The vineyard

The terroir from which this wine originates lies within the prestigious Côte-Rôtie appellation, celebrated for its steep, sun-drenched slopes. The vines thrive across a mosaic of plots composed of chloritic mica schist, gneiss, and migmatite. This complex geological foundation gives the grapes a distinctive minerality. The vineyard is cultivated according to biodynamic principles, with entirely manual soil work to preserve this fragile ecosystem.

The vintage

The year 2017 benefited from highly favorable climatic conditions in the northern part of the region. This mild weather allowed the berries to reach optimal ripeness and concentration, while preserving the balance and freshness essential to the growing cycle.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the "Les Bécasses" 2017 cuvée are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness. After destemming, the berries ferment with indigenous yeasts in concrete vats, with daily punching down and strict temperature control not exceeding 33°C. Maceration lasts between three and four weeks. The wine is then aged for 14 to 16 months, with 80% in oak barrels and 20% in stainless steel tanks to preserve the purity of the fruit.

Grape variety

Syrah (100%).