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Red dry
Chapoutier Les Arènes Cornas 2021 – a classic yet powerful and elegant expression of ‘Syrah’ from one of the most captivating appellations in the Northern Rhône. This wine reflects the wild beauty of the Cornas hills and the intensity of their granite soils, where ‘Syrah’ achieves its fullest and most authentic expression.
In the glass, it shows a deep ruby hue, while the bouquet reveals blackcurrant, blackberry, blueberry, black pepper, smoke, licorice, and subtle meaty undertones. The nose is rich and layered, combining ripe fruit with earthy and wild nuances.
On the palate, the wine is concentrated and structured, yet perfectly balanced: ripe tannins envelop the mouth, vivid acidity brings energy, and the long finish lingers with mineral and faintly smoky notes.
The ‘Syrah’ grapes come from steep Cornas slopes, whose soils are made up of “arenes” — decomposed granite. This gives the wine both power and precise minerality. The grapes are hand-harvested, with careful sorting in the vineyard to ensure only the best fruit is used.
Fermentation takes place in concrete vats to preserve the natural purity of the fruit, followed by 14–16 months of aging in 228–400 L French oak barrels, of which about 20% are new.
Les Arènes Cornas 2021 captures the essence of Cornas: bold, expressive, and deeply structured, yet refined and harmonious, revealing both strength and grace in equal measure.
Serve at 18-20 °C with marinated red meat dishes, rich stews with game or fish tapenade.
Maison M. Chapoutier – The Benchmark of Biodynamic Mastery in the Rhône Valley
The name Maison M. Chapoutier is inseparable from the modern history of Rhône Valley winemaking. It is one of the estates that not only brought the appellations of the Northern and Southern Rhône to international prominence, but also fundamentally reshaped the way terroir, varietal purity, and responsibility to the land are understood.
Although the Chapoutier family has been involved in wine since the 19th century, a decisive turning point came in the late 20th century when Michel Chapoutier took the helm. His vision was clear—and radical for its time: wine should not be the result of compromise, but a precise translation of place into the glass.
The Single-Varietal Philosophy
Chapoutier was among the first major producers to consistently champion single-varietal wines even in appellations where blends are traditionally permitted—or encouraged.
This is not a marketing choice, but a deliberate philosophy aimed at expressing terroir with absolute clarity:
This approach has made Chapoutier wines true reference points, widely used in professional tastings, wine education, and sommelier training as benchmarks of pure site expression.
Biodynamics as a Mark of Quality
Another cornerstone of Chapoutier’s identity is biodynamic viticulture. The estate was one of the first large Rhône producers to adopt biodynamics and today stands as the largest biodynamic wine estate in the Rhône Valley.
Here, biodynamics is not ideology—it is a practical tool:
The result is wines defined by energy, tension, and longevity—rather than simple ripeness or technical polish.
Mastery of White Wines in the Rhône Context
While the Rhône Valley is often associated primarily with red wines, Chapoutier has become one of the most important ambassadors of world-class Rhône white wines.
Cuvées such as Hermitage Blanc, Ermitage De L’Orée, Saint-Joseph Blanc, and Condrieu are characterized by:
These wines stand as compelling proof that the Rhône is capable of producing white wines of profound complexity, seriousness, and longevity.
