M. Chapoutier

History

The Chapoutier family has a rich history in the Rhône region dating back to 1808. Initially, the family was involved in the wine industry through 'Calvet et Compagnie' in Tain. In 1879, Polydor Chapoutier bought his first vineyards and started the actual business. By the mid-20th century, Max Chapoutier led the business until his retirement in 1977, after which his sons Michel and Marc took over. Michel's leadership in the late 1980s significantly improved the quality of the wines, earning international recognition.

In 1990, Michel Chapoutier bought the family business from his grandfather, Marc, and promptly fired his father, Max, due to their inability to work together. This move marked a turning point for the company, which was then transformed under Michel's leadership. He introduced bold initiatives such as single-vineyard selections and braille labels for the visually impaired. The winery has since become a champion of biodynamic viticulture, emphasizing the importance of soil, climate, and human interaction in winemaking. Today, Maison M. Chapoutier is one of the most awarded wineries globally, known for its commitment to revealing terroirs through its wines[2][4].

Terroir

The terroir of M. Chapoutier is deeply rooted in the concept of allowing the soil to express its true nature without interference. Michel Chapoutier emphasizes the importance of listening to the vintage without altering the wine's natural characteristics. This approach is central to his biodynamic and organic farming practices, which have been in place since 1999 for most of his vineyards. The terroir is seen as a combination of soil, climate, and human know-how, with the goal of capturing the unique expression of each terroir through meticulous vineyard practices and minimal intervention in the winemaking process.

Chapoutier's terroir journey spans various regions, including the Rhône Valley, Roussillon, Australia, and Portugal. Each region presents distinct geological and climatic conditions that are carefully studied and respected to reveal the specific characteristics of the terroir. For instance, in the Rhône Valley, the Hermitage hill with its four geological eras is vinified separately to highlight the terroir's unique expressions. Similarly, in Roussillon, the complex geology and southern climate are harnessed to create wines with outstanding mineral purity. This dedication to understanding and respecting the terroir ensures that each wine reflects the true essence of its origin.