Chapoutier Le Meal Ermitage Blanc 2021 [in bond ex vat] (6x 75cl)

Marsanne

6 x 75cl * 14.5% ABV * Hermitage, Northern Rhône, South of France

Although now better known for its red wines, Hermitage was originally a white wine growing district and “Le Meal” demonstrates its great history. Michel Chapoutier claims to produce it as “a service to gastronomy" hence the name. “Le Meal” is a 2 hectare parcel of low-yielding 50 year old Marsanne vines. These are grown on the Méal hillside, a high-terraced slope scattered with large pebbles which retain the heat and encourage the ripening of the grapes.

The harvest, totally destemmed, is vinified in a small cement vat. High temperature maceration enables a good extraction of grape potential, to obtain soft and stable tannins, compulsory to keep the wine for a very long time. Michel feels that this wine ages “forever”. In fact, when presenting a sample of the 2021 to us he said that had opened a bottle of 1900 last month which was fine! Only the free-run juice is used in this single vineyard.

~ Taurus Tasting Notes from a tasting on 11th October 2022 ~

“Tomato leaf is very much the signature note on the nose (one joker in the audience mentioned ketchup which was a bit over the top) with notes of quince and white flower. White pear on the palate with a lovely nutty greengage Marsanne character. Soft and creamy with great body and length. Outstanding wine. Despite Michel’s optimism about aging, we would say 2024 – 2040.”

Please note prices are in-bond and exclude VAT and duty, which are payable when the wines land in Summer 2024.