The producer
Originally founded in 1897, the modern history of the Chapoutier business begins with the arrival of 7th generation Michel Chapoutier in 1990. He immediately converted the vineyards to biodynamics and expanded both the domaine and the negociant side of the business.
Chapoutier today owns vineyards throughout the Rhone, as well as sourcing grapes from longstanding partnerships with other growers; Chapoutier also own vineyards as far afield as Australia, Portugal and Spain. The family’s winemaking philosophy is based on the concept of terroir, always allowing the terroir to express itself the maximum. Today children Mathilde and Maxime are involved.
Saint-Joseph represents one of the great value wines of the Chapoutier range and is handled with the same care and attention to detail as their Hermitage and is given a delicate spicing from 20% new oak.
The wine
Chapoutier’s Les Granits is a pure expression of Marsanne from some of the estate’s oldest granite vineyards. Fruit is hand harvested, then whole cluster pressed and fermented partly in vat and big wooden casks. Ageing on lees follows and lasts 8-10 months. A balanced and complex white wine with apricot, honey, floral and spice complexity, a full body with silky texture and tapered finish.