White dry
Saint-Péray is the southernmost appellation of the Northern Rhône, producing exclusively white wines, including sparkling ones. Haut Chamblard Saint-Péray is made from Marsanne grapes grown on soils of granite, quartz, and sand. This biodynamically produced Marsanne is aged on the lees for up to a year in large 600-litre barrels.
The aromas unfold through notes of toasted almonds, brown butter, ripe yellow fruits, and sweet spices. On the palate, it reveals a creamy texture, flavours of salt and yellow fruits, and mineral nuances.
Serve at 12–14 °C with grilled poultry, prawn salad or salmon steak.
Stacks of ripe Mirabelle plums with a touch of persimmons. Very clean and pure in spite of the generous ripeness on the medium- to full-bodied palate. The stony side of the wine really expands in the long, very straight finish. A pure marsanne from granitic soil, so not that high altitude. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold. Tuesday, Apr 16, 2024
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.