Matt Walls: M Chapoutier Chante-Alouette vertical tasting
14 vintages of Chapoutier's majestic white Hermitage...
The Rhône Valley runs south from Lyon to the Rhône Delta, a length of approximately 150 miles.
It is divided stylistically and geographically into northern and southern parts, the former much smaller and more focussed in design, while the latter is much larger and accommodates a wider range of grape varieties.
In the north, Syrah dominates in red wine, while Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne are grown for white wines.
In the south, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is famous for allowing 22 varieties, ranging from Grenache and Syrah to Picpoul, Picardan and Terret Noir.
There’s a lot of variation, but in other southern appellations a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre might be considered the most typical – even giving birth to the Australian ‘GSM’ style.