Chapoutier is one of the oldest wine producers in the Rhone Valley with a history dating back to 1808. A distant ancestor, Polydor Chapoutier, was the first to buy vines here, shifting from being a simple grape grower to making and trading his own wine. For the last two hundred years, the estate has been producing some of the greatest wines in the Rhone Valley. Today, the range also includes wines from some Roussillon appellations as well as projects in Portugal and Australia.

Under Michel Chapoutier’s leadership, quality improved and Chapoutier gained international recognition. The massive negociant and winery produces single-vineyard expressions and classic wines from a range of appellations in the north and south of the valley.

They have adopted biodynamic farming techniques and have included Braille markings on their labels since 1996. This was done from a desire to reach out to and include lovers of good wines with sight-impairments, and as a tribute to Maurice Monier of La Sizeranne, a member of the family that previously owned the vines of the same name and who invented the first abbreviated version of Braille.

Chapoutier’s much lauded le Meal Blanc is made from Marsanne. The vines, which are more than 50 years old, give low production and high quality, sourced from the Meal hillside, an old fluvioglacial alluvial deposit soil with shingles which contribute to soil warming. The fruit is hand-harvested generally at very good maturity.

The wine has a brilliant, golden yellow color. It is intense on the nose, very mineral, with celery overtones and a slight and well-integrated hint of wood. There is ample attack on the palate, a well-rounded, fine exotic freshness, and roasted almond flavor. Depending on the vintage, the wine can be kept from 30 to 60 years or from 50 to 75 years.

The 2015 Chapoutier Ermitage le Meal Blanc is a truly exceptional white wine from France's Rhone region. Made from the Marsanne varietal, this vintage is a testament to the skill and expertise of the renowned producer, Chapoutier.

In the glass, this wine displays a beautiful golden hue that hints at the complexity within. The nose is immediately greeted by a symphony of aromas, with notes of white currants, toasted nuts, celery seed, and licorice dancing effortlessly together. These enticing scents invite you to take your first sip, and you will not be disappointed.

On the palate, the 2015 Chapoutier Ermitage le Meal Blanc is a revelation. Full-bodied and rich, it coats the tongue with a velvety texture that is both luxurious and indulgent. Flavors of Jonagold apple, mirabelle plum, lemon curd, and white peach dominate, supported by delicate hints of honeysuckle, verbena, and jasmine. The wine's superior detail and lingering minerality add depth and length to the finish, leaving a lasting impression.

This vintage has received high praise from esteemed critics. Wine Advocate awarded it a perfect score of 100, calling it "decadent, unctuous, and layered." Wine Spectator awarded it an impressive 97 points, noting its "terrific range" and "lingering minerality." James Suckling also praised this wine, awarding it 95 points and describing it as "riper and more exotic, tropical fruits" with a "stony-mineral depth."

The 2015 Chapoutier Ermitage le Meal Blanc is a wine that demands attention. With its complexity, richness, and impeccable balance, it is a true masterpiece. This is a wine that will age gracefully, but it is also enjoyable now. Whether you choose to savor it on a special occasion or pair it with a delectable seafood dish, this wine is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.