2019 M. Chapoutier Crozes-Hermitage Rouge ‘Les Meysonniers’

Founded in 1808 on the aptly named Rue de l’Hermitage in Tain, the Chapoutier name didn’t enter the picture until 1897, when Marius joined forces with Rodolphe Deléphine and began ramping up production for export. With Rodolphe’s retirement in 1922, Marius took control and embarked on further expansion with a new winery right at the foot of the hill of Hermitage itself. His son Marc saw the company through to the 1980s, but it was Michel, the third “M”, who really modernised the wines by establishing Sélections Parcellaires to imitate Burgundian terroir expression and instituting biodynamic cultivation techniques. Now Chapoutier owns vines in Spain, Portugal, Australia, Rousillon, Provence, Beaujolais, and Alsace. ‘Les Meysonniers’ is a pebbly, south-facing plot producing Syrah with classic floral black cherry and cracked black pepper notes, with great acidity to boot. Pair with really mature cheeses, côte de boeuf or garlic-infused Toulouse sausage.