Crozes-Hermitage Blanc “Les Meysonniers” (2022) - M. Chapoutier

M. Chapoutier is one of the most prestigious producers of the Rhône Valley, known for its biodynamic approach and for parcel-by-parcel winemaking. Marsanne is the main white grape of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation, famous for its longevity and aromatic complexity.

The appellation: Crozes-Hermitage AOC

AOC Crozes-Hermitage: the elegance of the Northern Rhône Crozes-Hermitage is the largest appellation in the northern Rhône Valley, known for its elegant, structured Syrah-based reds and for its refined whites made from Marsanne and Roussanne. Set in the Drôme department, it is an icon of French winemaking tradition, thanks to the diversity of its terroir and the quality of its wines.

What to eat with Crozes-Hermitage Blanc “Les Meysonniers”

Who makes it: M. Chapoutier

Founded in 1808, M. Chapoutier is one of the most iconic houses of the Rhône Valley, famous for its pioneering approach to biodynamic viticulture. Michel Chapoutier has turned the estate into a world benchmark, making wines of elegant, territorial style, able to express at their best the characteristics of the various crus.

The vine of Crozes-Hermitage Blanc “Les Meysonniers”

Marsanne

Marsanne is one of the most representative white grape varieties of the northern Rhône Valley. It is grown mainly in the prestigious appellations of Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage and Saint-Péray. Its origin is linked to the town of Marsanne in the Drôme department, and its history has been intertwined with the viticulture of this region for centuries.Marsanne stands out for its ability to produce elegant, long-lived wines that evolve magnificently over time. It is often vinified as a single variety, but in many appellations it is paired with Roussanne, which adds freshness and aromatics. Compared with Roussanne, Marsanne tends to give fuller-bodied wines, with lower acidity and greater structure.From an ampelographic point of view, Marsanne has medium-sized bunches, with thick-skinned, golden-yellow berries. This characteristic makes it ideal for coping with the hot Rhône summers, maintaining a good balance between sugars and acidity.

Crozes-Hermitage Blanc “Les Meysonniers”: the area

Climate: Continental

Altitude: Low Altitude (0-200 m above sea level)

Soil: Limestone / chalk

Geographical setting: Hilly

Profile of Crozes-Hermitage Blanc “Les Meysonniers”

Primary aromas: Yellow-fleshed fruit (peach, apricot, pear), Citrus (lemon, bergamot) and White flowers (acacia, hawthorn)

Secondary aromas: Honeyed and almond notes and Slightly buttery hints

Tertiary aromas: Hints of dried fruit and sweet spices with age

Tasting notes: Les Meysonniers 2022 from M. Chapoutier is a refined and complex Crozes-Hermitage Blanc, marked by a perfect balance of freshness, structure and roundness. On the palate it offers fine mineral tension, with a creamy texture and a long finish dominated by notes of ripe yellow fruit, citrus and light shades of almond.