M. Chapoutier : Les Arènes 2015

A fruity and structured Cornas wine by Chapoutier

The estate

Established since 1808 in Tain-L'Hermitage, M. Chapoutier is an elite reference among fine Rhône Valley wines today.

Winemaker and wine merchant, Michel Chapoutier has successfully brought this family-owned business to the very top. The wines by Maison Chapoutier are renowned by the finest connoisseurs from all around the world for their refinement and high quality. A man of many talents, Michel Chapoutier holds the world record for 100/100 scores awarded by the American critic, Robert Parker. Mathilde, Michel Chapoutier's daughter, has taken over the running of this iconic house, which has over 350 hectares of vineyards in the most prestigious appellations of the northern and southern Rhône Valley region.

The vineyard

"Les Arènes" by M. Chapoutier is made from a selection of hillside plots, each of which has a more or less early ripening potential, Les Reynards, Patou, Champelrose, Mazards and Les Côtes.

These terroirs are planted on a tapestry of soils composed, depending on their location, of decomposing granite conferring power and tension, but also clay-limestone soils of alluvial deposits providing the wine with power, substance as well as fine and coating tannins.

The wine

The name of this wine, Les Arènes, comes from the geological phenomenon known as "arènes granitiques", during which the soil takes the form of arenas due to the decomposition of the granite following the passage of water and wind. The name of the Cornas appellation comes from a Celtic term meaning "Burnt Earth".

Vinification and ageing

The grapes are harvested by hand and completely destemmed. Fermentation lasts 10 days in concrete vats before a 3-week maceration. The wine is aged for 14 to 16 months, 80% in barrels and 20% in vats, in order to preserve the minerality and fruitiness of these great terroirs.

The blend

Syrah (100%).

"Les Arènes" 2015 by M. Chapoutier: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

This wine is an intense red, with purple highlights.

Nose

The nose gives off fragrances of ripe fruit with notes of raspberry and blackcurrant jam.

Palate

The palate is seduced by this wine’s aromatic palette, exuding fruity (blackberries, morello cherries) and spicy aromas and enhanced by dense tannins and a beautiful persistence on the palate.

Cellaring

Enjoy today, "Les Arènes" 2015 by M. Chapoutier can be kept in the cellar until 2025-2030 to express all its elegance and finesse.