Pale gold color; pear, white peach, green apple, apricot, Meyer lemon, citrus, minerality, orange blossom on the nose and palate.
Dry; no tannic bite, very good acidity (3.34 pH). Light-medium body. Vibrant, fresh. Blend led by grenache blanc, also roussanne, viognier, clairette, bourboulenc. Grapes primarily machine harvested at night to limit oxidation and preserve aromatics. Total destemming, followed by light skin maceration for the viognier. Fermentation in low temperature stainless steel. Aged five months on fine lees for depth and fruit expression. Captivating finish, which is a notable feature of this wine over several vintages. 14% ABV
M. (Michael) Chapoutier is renowned Rhône negotiant and winery. The Chapoutier family’s association and respect dates back to the early 1800s when Michael’s great-, great-, great grandfather, Marius, purchased an estate and vineyards in the now-famous village of Tain l’Hermitage in the northern Rhône Valley and notably became the first grape grower to vinify his own fruit.
Two centuries later, Michael grows some vines and purchases juice from other vinegrowers in the great wine growing region of southeastern France. The Chapoutier family moto is Fac et Sprea—“do and hope”. Their website celebrates audacity: “Being audacious means keeping an open mind, embracing new horizons, other localities, other organic winegrowing methods. Being audacious means combining tradition and modernity, making it possible for them to join forces and engender new know-how and craft.”
Part of that approach is careful attention to terroir, which includes responsible agriculture commitments and biodynamic agriculture in some areas. Led by winemaker Michael Chapoutier, they pioneered a special wine team dedicated to “accompanying the wine harvest” to provide guidance and support for implementing farming methods favored by M. Chapoutier in his own vineyards and among grape growers who provide grapes to the winery.
M. Chapoutier also asserts dedication to consumers. Their stated values include: “Respect for the consumer whether they are wine connoisseurs or not. Maison M. Chapoutier crafts its regional wines with the same dedication given to the most prestigious bottles, investing just as much faith. The aim is always to convey the same love of wine, to give complete beginners a chance to discover its diversity.”
M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côts-du-Rhône Blanc 2022 is tasty expression of Rhône whites with clean, fresh fruits and excellent acidity. Light food friendly. “Belleruche” translates to “beautiful beehive” in French. It takes its name from the bees and hives that thrive in M. Chapoutier’s sustainable vineyards. M. Chapoutier is legendary Rhône maker, and this supple, value-targeted effort does nothing to diminish that well-earned reputation. Excellent picnic wine with light snacks, charcuterie board. Pair with grilled or roasted white fish, citrus-based seafood dishes; shellfish. Pasta Alfredo, grilled and roasted white meats—pork and chicken. Vegetable stews with pesto; stir-fried vegetables; grilled vegetables; garden and other salads. Cheese—soft goat cheeses; mild, creamy cheeses. Mild cheddar, gouda, smoked gouda, monterey jack, triple cream, brie, Spanish sheep’s milk cheese. $14-18
