M. Chapoutier : Quatuor 2018

Characteristics and tasting notes for M. Chapoutier's Quatuor 2018

Tasting

Colour
This red wine reveals a deep purple hue, enhanced by delicate carmine highlights that reflect its fine concentration.

Nose
Wonderfully complex, the bouquet opens with floral aromas of violet and jasmine. It then evolves towards notes of red fruits such as raspberry and strawberry, lifted by spicy touches of pepper and cinnamon, along with subtle mineral nuances reminiscent of tapenade.

Palate
Despite a sun-drenched vintage, the palate offers remarkable freshness, supported by silky, refined tannins. Flavours of sweet spices and cedar unfold harmoniously, leading to a lingering finish of superb length.

Food and wine pairing

This wine pairs beautifully with characterful meats such as roasted quail with mushrooms, grilled venison or a fine cut of beef. It also complements vegetarian dishes such as lentil stew or root vegetables, as well as aged hard cheeses like Comté or Beaufort.

Service and storage

Blessed with exceptional ageing potential, the Côte-Rôtie "Quatuor" 2018 can be enjoyed now, but will continue to develop in the cellar and can be savoured until around 2048.

The pure, complex expression of a great Côte-Rôtie terroir

The estate

Founded in 1808 in Tain, at the heart of the Rhône Valley, the M. Chapoutier house is a true winemaking institution. Now run by Michel Chapoutier, supported by his children Mathilde and Maxime, the estate stands out for its pioneering approach. With an extensive vineyard cultivated according to biodynamic principles, the estate is committed to honouring the authentic expression of each terroir. The brand's identity is also distinguished by its values of inclusion, illustrated by the addition of Braille inscriptions on all of its labels.

The vineyard

This wine comes from the Côte-Rôtie appellation, renowned for its dizzyingly steep slopes. It is the result of a blend from four distinct plots with complementary geologies. Côte Brune brings power and structure thanks to its mica-schist and clay soils, while Côte Blonde, dominated by granite, offers elegance and floral notes. The Neve site stands out for its intensely rocky soils, and the Tupins plot, located at the southernmost point on sand and migmatite, ensures optimal ripeness and spicy nuances.

The vintage

The year began with a wet spring that favoured vine growth, followed by a particularly hot and dry summer from July onwards. Timely rains in mid-August helped avoid water stress, ensuring perfect ripening of the berries and an ideal balance between richness and acidity during a generous harvest.

Winemaking and ageing

The grapes for the Côte-Rôtie "Quatuor" 2018 are harvested by hand and then fully destemmed. Fermentation takes place using indigenous yeasts in raw concrete vats, with a gentle maceration lasting several weeks to extract the tannins with delicacy. Malolactic fermentation and ageing then take place in oak barrels for twelve to eighteen months. The wine is finally bottled without fining or filtration.

Grape variety

100% Syrah