M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine Blanc 2021

Maison M. Chapoutier, is a winery and négociant business situated in Tain-l’Hermitage in the Rhône region in France ( est 1808 ). They produce wine from appellations across the Rhône region, but it is typically their top Hermitage wines, both red and white, that receive the most attention and accolades. Chapoutier’s wine labels are distinctive because of their inclusion of Braille writing on all labels since 1996.
The main grape varieties that thrive in the Rhone Valley are, for white wines: Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Viognier; and for red wines: Syrah ( Shiraz ), Mourvedre, Grenache and Carignan, and mostly appear in blends. However, the Shiraz grape is largely confined to two small strips of steep vineyard on the banks of the northern Rhone River just south of Lyons, where it produces wines called Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Cote-Rotie, Saint-Joseph and Cornas. The blends are found in the great value Cotes-du-Rhone, which appellation is further south.

Chateauneuf-du-Pape is the appellation situated between Orange and Avignon, where one will find the incredible Pope’s palace. It was built in the 14th century for Pope John XXII, the second of the popes to reside in Avignon. They may use thirteen varietals in the blend, but many do not – they use what they have growing on their properties.

Blend: Grenache Gris, Roussanne, Clairette & Grenache Blanc