M. Chapoutier : Les Varonniers 2024

Characteristics and tasting advice for Crozes-Ermitage "Les Varonniers" 2024 by M. Chapoutier

Tasting

Appearance

A deep garnet red color, this wine displays intense violet reflections typical of its youth.

Nose

The bouquet reveals precise floral notes, opening with aromas of very ripe red fruits, black cherry, and blackberry. The whole is harmoniously enhanced by notes of olive, lavender, as well as subtle spicy and earthy touches.

Palate

The palate charms with its silky texture and freshness. Driven by lively acidity, this wine offers supple, chalky tannins, revealing a perfect balance between fruit expression and structure, finishing with great finesse.

Food and wine pairings

This red wine pairs ideally with protein-rich dishes and flavorful meats such as coq au vin, roast duck, rack of lamb, or rib steak. It also complements mushroom-based dishes, pasta with meat sauces, as well as cheeses such as raclette and fresh goat cheese.

Serving and cellaring

For optimal tasting, it is recommended to serve this Crozes-Ermitage "Les Varonniers" 2024 between 60 and 64°F (16–18°C). This wine has excellent aging potential and can develop favorably in the cellar for at least 15 to 20 years.

The finesse and freshness of a Crozes-Ermitage wine

The estate

Founded in 1808, Maison M. Chapoutier is an essential institution of the Rhône Valley. Under the leadership of Michel Chapoutier in the 1990s, the estate became a pioneer of biodynamic viticulture, placing the expression of terroir at the heart of its philosophy. Today, the property, which spans more than 345 hectares, is managed by his children, Mathilde and Maxime Chapoutier. Recognizable by its Braille labels and guided by the motto "Fac et spera," the house combines respect for nature with innovation to produce wines of great authenticity.

The vineyard

From the Crozes-Ermitage appellation, this cuvée comes from a parcel selection located at the foot of the granite hillside of Hermitage, in the place known as Varogne. This very specific terroir benefits from a cooler microclimate, shaded in the morning and sunny in the afternoon. The soils form a harmonious transition, composed of pure granite in the upper part and alluvial deposits in the lower part, thus offering unique conditions for the flourishing of the vine.

The vintage

The year was marked by particularly demanding climatic conditions. After a mild February, spring brought episodes of frost, followed by significant rainfall in both spring and summer. September, cooler than average, slowed the vegetative cycle, delaying grape ripening. This long maturation period under mild temperatures ultimately made it possible to obtain berries with beautiful freshness.

Winemaking and aging

The harvest is carried out manually to ensure grapes are picked at optimal ripeness. For the "Les Varonniers" 2024 cuvée, winemaking is characterized by lower fermentation temperatures and a shortened maceration of around three weeks. This approach, combined with minimal oak influence, preserves the purity and precision of the fruit.

Grape variety

Syrah (100%).