1982 M. Chapoutier Hermitage Blanc Cuvée Velours

Founded in 1808, M. Chapoutier is a historic Rhône Valley producer that has played a defining role in elevating the reputation of biodynamic viticulture in France. Under the leadership of Michel Chapoutier since 1990, the estate embraced a philosophy centered on site expression and transparency, becoming one of the first in the region to adopt biodynamic farming across its holdings. M. Chapoutier produces wines from prestigious appellations such as Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, while also expanding its influence into regions like Alsace and Australia, always with a commitment to single-parcel bottlings and integrity of place.

The Rhône Valley, situated in southeastern France, is a region defined by its duality—split between the continental North and the Mediterranean South. The Northern Rhône, where M. Chapoutier's most iconic wines originate, is dominated by steep granite slopes and a cooler climate that favors Syrah, Marsanne, and Roussanne. The Southern Rhône offers a broader range of varieties and soil compositions, supporting Grenache-led blends and promoting a more sun-drenched expression of fruit. This geographical diversity allows the estate to showcase the stylistic breadth of Rhône wines while emphasizing the unique character of each appellation.

M. Chapoutier’s vineyards reflect a nuanced understanding of terroir, with each parcel chosen for its geologic singularity and cultivated according to biodynamic principles. In Hermitage, the granitic soils of the hill are laced with mica-schist and alluvial deposits, lending structure and mineral tension to Syrah. Côte-Rôtie’s fragmented schist and iron-rich soils contribute aromatic lift and finesse. Further south, Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s vineyards feature galets roulés over clay and sand, offering warmth and density. The estate's rigorous vineyard selection and low-intervention winemaking allow the soils, climate, and topography to shape the final wine profile with clarity and depth.