M. Chapoutier : La Bernardine 2022

Characteristics and tasting notes of "La Bernardine" 2022 M. Chapoutier

Tasting

Colour
Intense crimson red in colour, it reveals deep ruby nuances.

Nose
Subtle and complex, it first unveils aromas of blackcurrant and plum, enriched by notes of cherry and morello cherry. The whole is underscored by elegant touches of roasted coffee and cinnamon.

Palate
The fruity and spicy attack gives way to delicious notes of licorice. Boasting fine concentration, this wine offers a silky texture on the mid-palate, supported by fine, firm tannins, before stretching into a long finish.

Food and wine pairing

Ideal with braised veal shoulder served with candied zucchini and its reduced jus, this red wine also pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled meats, such as leg of lamb, poultry with Mediterranean herbs, or a selection of aged cheeses.

Service and storage

For an optimal tasting experience, this wine is best served between 15 and 17°C, after being decanted for about two hours in a large glass. "La Bernardine" 2022 can be enjoyed now, but will continue to evolve favorably until around 2037.

Other characteristics

This dry wine has an alcohol content of 15%, with residual sugar of 1.3 g/l, total acidity of 4.8 g/l and a pH of 3.76.

The authentic expression of a Châteauneuf-du-Pape terroir

The estate

Founded in 1879, the House of M. Chapoutier is a true institution of the Rhône Valley in France. Now led by Michel Chapoutier, who took the helm of the estate in the late 1980s, the property established itself as a pioneer of biodynamic viticulture as early as 1991. With a vineyard spanning 360 hectares around the world, the estate stands out for its commitment to letting each terroir express itself freely. Another distinctive feature is that all labels have been transcribed in braille since 1996, reflecting a unique approach to inclusion.

The vineyard

Located within the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, this terroir benefits from a Mediterranean climate and a distinctive geology. The soils consist of clay terraces covered with rolled pebbles, remnants of the former riverbed, as well as sandy limestone (safres). These stones store daytime heat and release it to the vines at night, promoting optimal ripening. The vineyard is cultivated with a high planting density, and the harvest is carried out exclusively by hand.

The vintage

The year 2022 was marked by particularly demanding weather conditions, with intense heat, pronounced drought and a few hail episodes. Despite these climatic challenges, the growing cycle was successfully completed, allowing for the harvest of healthy, well-balanced grapes with lovely freshness.

Winemaking and aging

After careful sorting, the red grapes are destemmed. The fermentation of "La Bernardine" 2022 takes place using indigenous yeasts in closed concrete vats for about three weeks, with gentle extraction. Aging then continues in these same concrete vats for fifteen to sixteen months, a deliberate choice to preserve the brightness of the fruit without any woody influence, before an early bottling.

Grape varieties

This wine is the result of a blend dominated by Grenache Noir, complemented by Syrah and Mourvèdre.