M. CHAPOUTIER Saint Joseph BLANC 'Les Granilites' 2021 Bottle (100% Marsanne) - ORG

Description

IN BRIEF
The 2021 M. Chapoutier Saint-Joseph Blanc Les Granilites is an exceptional wine that highlights the distinct character of the Marsanne grape. This vintage displays a strong yellow hue with bright green highlights, indicative of its vibrancy and freshness. The nose offers delightful aromas of white flowers alongside white-fleshed fruits such as peaches and pears, complemented by a smooth oak influence for added depth. On the palate, it presents a fresh and well-balanced entry with dessert-like sweetness and mineral tautness, leading to a long, elegant finish. Aged for eight months, with 75% in stainless steel and 25% in demi-muids, it preserves freshness while enhancing complexity. Rated 95 points by James Suckling, it pairs beautifully with seafood, poultry, and creamy cheeses.

ABOUT THIS WINE
The 2021 M. Chapoutier Saint-Joseph Blanc Les Granilites is a remarkable expression of the Saint-Joseph appellation, showcasing the pure and distinctive character of the Marsanne grape. Known for their exceptional quality, wines from Michel Chapoutier never fail to impress, and this vintage is no exception.

This Saint-Joseph Blanc presents a strong yellow hue with bright green highlights, indicative of its vibrancy and freshness. On the nose, it reveals a delightful array of aromas, featuring delicate notes of white flowers complemented by the lush scent of white-fleshed fruits like peaches and pears. These delicious, aromatic notes are beautifully underscored by a smooth oak influence that adds depth without overpowering the fruit.

On the palate, the 2021 Les Granilites offers a fresh and well-balanced entry, presenting a nice volume with dessert-like sweetness that is both inviting and satisfying. The wine's mineral tautness enhances its complexity, leading to a long, lingering finish that showcases its elegance and finesse.

The ageing process lasts for eight months, during which the lees are stirred during the first two months to manage oxidation and enhance the wine's development. To preserve the freshness and minerality that define this cuvée, 75% of the wine is aged in stainless steel tanks. The remaining 25% is matured in demi-muids (600-litre barrels), contributing to the wine's consistency, power, and aromatic complexity.

Overall, the 2021 M. Chapoutier Saint-Joseph Blanc Les Granilites stands out for its balance and expressiveness, making it a delightful choice for lovers of white wines. Its versatility allows it to pair beautifully with a range of dishes, including seafood, poultry, and creamy cheeses, making it an exceptional addition to any dining occasion. This wine not only embodies the typicity of the Saint-Joseph region but also highlights Michel Chapoutier's commitment to excellence in winemaking.

JAMES SUCKLING 95 points
Here’s a white St. Joseph that has the minerality we associate with this appellation in excess! Sleek, focused and concentrated with a very stony personality. The fresh and candied citrus aromas are just beginning to open up. Extremely long, filigree finish. Great aging potential. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. - Stuart Pigott, Senior Editor

THE WINE ADVOCATE 91 points
Reviewed by: Joe Czerwinski
Drink Date: 2022 - 2026
A blend of two parcels of vines—a vineyard in Mauves and the lower portion of lieu-dit Saint Joseph—the 2021 Saint-Joseph Blanc Les Granilites displays aromas of pencil shavings, quince and lime. It's medium-bodied, showing more fat than the Deschants bottling, but still not a big, rich wine; it is plump and succulent, with a long, citrusy finish.

VINOUS 90 points
The 2021 Saint-Joseph Blanc Les Granilites presents a refreshing profile that’s discretely marked by new oak. Flintstone, white peach, lemon flesh, green apple, cedar and vanilla rise up from the glass. Offering solid substance and concentration, the 2021 ends with good drive on the bright finale. - Nicolas Greinacher

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ABOUT M. CHAPOUTIER
M. Chapoutier is a prestigious wine producer located in the Rhône Valley of France, renowned for its unwavering commitment to exceptional quality and biodynamic viticulture. Established in the late 19th century, the estate has developed a strong reputation for producing wines that embody the unique terroir of the region. Under the stewardship of Michel Chapoutier, who took over the family business in the 1990s, the winery has garnered international acclaim for both its traditional and innovative approaches to winemaking.

M. Chapoutier is especially renowned for its outstanding Hermitage wines, crafted from Syrah grapes cultivated on steep hillside vineyards. The winery embraces sustainable practices, incorporating biodynamic farming methods that enhance the natural ecosystem and support the health of the vines. This dedication to organic methods has distinguished M. Chapoutier from many other producers and resonates with environmentally-conscious consumers.

The estate offers a diverse range of wines, including red, white, and sweet varieties, often focusing on single varietals that highlight the characteristics of their respective terroirs. Importantly, the winery is celebrated for its exceptional Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côte Rôtie wines, which have received significant accolades and recognition within the wine community.

M. Chapoutier's commitment to excellence is reflected in its numerous awards and high ratings from critics. The label is also famous for its braille-embossed bottles, underscoring the producer's dedication to inclusivity and accessibility. With a rich history and a forward-thinking approach, M. Chapoutier continues to be a leading figure in the wine industry, promising exceptional experiences in every bottle.