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Maison M. Chapoutier Winery Guide

Cellar Tours Insight — Since 2003, Cellar Tours has planned private wine journeys through the world’s leading wine regions, pairing tailor-made itineraries with VIP winery visits, fine dining, and expert regional guidance.

Winery Overview

Today, Chapoutier is among the most important and prestigious negotiants in the northern Rhône wine country, with the largest vineyard holdings in the Hermitage hills. From their base at the heart of the spectacular Rhône Valley, Chapoutier continues to set benchmarks for what can be achieved from the immensely varied terroir of this region. Every label that leaves these cellar doors is a superbly crafted example of its appellation. In addition, this dynamic family has extended its expertise globally and now produces excellent wines in countries as diverse as Australia, Portugal, and the US. Fundamental to the Chapoutier approach is a philosophy that, above all else, demonstrates the highest respect for maintaining a natural balance in the vineyard; Chapoutier is a leading bio-dynamic grower in the region, believing that artificial additions should be limited as much as humanly possible. Such dedication to preserving each terroir’s unique properties is immediately apparent when one tastes Chapoutier’s wine range, which shows an unmistakable sense of place and authenticity.

This remarkable family concern can trace its origins back to the 19th century when Chapoutier’s ancestors worked these ancient vines as farmers rather than producers. However, a distant ancestor, Polydor Chapoutier, purchased some vines in 1879 the northern Rhône, making that life-changing switch from grower to producer. Establishing a small family domaine, successive generations of the Chapoutiers grew the business, most notably Max Chapoutier, who made great quality strides in the mid-20th century. Max retired in 1977, after which his sons Michel and Marc Chapoutier took the reigns, steering Chapoutier to further greatness. Today, Marcel is a dynamic innovator bar none, investing in Australian vineyards in 1997 and Portugal in 2007 and trialing bio-dynamic viticulture in 1991. Marcel is also renowned for introducing Braille to his wine labels in 1996, a tribute to Maurice Monier of La Sizeranne, founder of the French Association for the Blind.

Thanks to Marcel’s careful direction, Chapoutier is today an utterly splendid producer of quality Rhône wines, perhaps the finest in the northern Rhône and among the best in France. The entire range is worthy of merit. However, particularly new benchmarks have been set in Crozes-Hermitage – with the dense, muscular, and concentrated Les Varonniers – and Saint-Joseph, with the red and white versions of this underrated appellation. And then there is Côte-Rôtie La Mordoree, a magnificent example of the appellation, arguably a worthy contender to Guigal’s La Turque. Chapoutier offers an unparalleled introduction to the great diversity of wines that exist in this beguiling region.

Rhône Wine Tour

Rhône Wine Tour

Unveil the scenic wonders of the Rhone Valley wine region on a tailor-made tour, savoring exquisite gourmet delights along the way. Book now!

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Further Reading

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French Wine Classifications

July 9, 2024

Discover the rich history and traditions that have shaped French wine production, from the creation of regulated appellations to the rise of natural wines.

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Author

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James Lawrence

With a passion for food & drink that verges on the obsessive, wine writer James Lawrence has traveled the world in search of the perfect tipple. To date, nothing has surpassed the 1952 R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Rioja Reserva, tasted in the cobweb-filled cellars with owner María José. Meanwhile, James has been writing for a wide variety of publications for over 12 years, including Telegraph, Decanter, Harpers, The Drinks Business, and Wine Business International. He lives in South Wales and returns to his former university city, Bilbao, as much as possible.

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