M. Chapoutier 'Monier de la Sizeranne' Hermitage 2019 (100ml)

Chapoutier is a giant of the Rhône, yet its identity rests on a surprisingly artisanal philosophy. Michel Chapoutier pushed the estate towards biodynamics early on and built a culture of vineyard specificity, bottling terroirs like 'Le Méal' and 'La Mordorée' long before it was fashionable.

The range is huge, from Hermitage to Roussillon, but the common thread is clarity, detail and respect for each site.

Braille on every label is another of Michel’s signatures, reflecting a commitment to accessibility as much as craftsmanship.

France’s wine story begins with Greek settlers, Roman farmers and medieval monasteries that shaped famous regions. It remains the benchmark for many of the world’s classic wine styles, built on a deep history of regional identity and an appellation system designed to protect it. AOC rules outline where grapes can be grown and how wines are made, giving structure to places such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and the Rhône. Key grapes like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah all find their most famous expressions here, alongside countless regional varieties.

From the driven whites of the Loire to the rich blends of the south, French wine is ultimately about clarity of origin and a commitment to balance, and modern France continues to evolve, combining precise regional traditions with a renewed focus on sustainability and site expression.

The Northern Rhône is a narrow strip of steep slopes where Syrah takes centre stage in its most focused and famous form. Regions such as Côte Rôtie, Hermitage and Saint-Joseph deliver complex, age-worthy reds with firm structure shaped by the cooler climate and granitic soils, with Crozes-Hermitage often offering more value and approachability. Viognier plays a key role too in producing expressive whites in Condrieu and sometimes adds lift to Syrah in co-fermented blends.

Marsanne and Roussanne round out the white offering in areas like Hermitage. The Northern Rhône is a place of precision and purity with styles that are structured, confident, clearly defined and sought-after.