M. Chapoutier Ermitage Le Meal Blanc 2019 750ml

The richest and most fruit loaded of the trio is the 2019 Ermitage Le Méal Blanc, which comes from a warmer terroir. This killer Hermitage Blanc has a vivid gold hue as well as a crazy good nose of quince, honeyed currants, acacia flowers, spice, and orange marmalade. It doesn’t have the minerality of the L’Ermite (and to a lesser extent, the De l’Orée) yet has a more opulent, fat, unctuous style that’s still flawlessly balanced and remarkably pure. This is another magical Hermitage from Chapoutier that does everything right. I followed this bottle for multiple days and it only improved with air. It’s certainly the more early drinking of these three single vineyard releases, yet it still deserves 2-4 years of bottle age and should keep for 30 years or more.

• Country: France
• Region: Rhone Valley
• Appellation: Hermitage
• Size: 750ml
• Color: White

Varietal

Marsanne

Marsanne, a venerable white grape variety originating from the Rhône Valley in France, exudes elegance and complexity in its wines. Revered for its ability to age gracefully, Marsanne thrives in the region’s granite and limestone soils, yielding wines of remarkable depth and character.

Marsanne wines are renowned for their medium to full body, rich texture, and nuanced flavors of ripe pear, honeydew melon, and nuts, often with hints of floral and herbal notes. With its balanced acidity and subtle minerality, Marsanne offers a sophisticated palate that pairs seamlessly with a variety of dishes, from seafood and poultry to creamy pasta and risotto.

As interest in Rhône varietals grows, Marsanne continues to captivate enthusiasts with its timeless allure and undeniable charm, embodying the essence of French winemaking tradition.