M. Chapoutier La Combe Pilate Viognier

IGP Collines Rhodaniennes, Rhône

Tasting Notes

Pale gold with aniseed-colored highlights. The nose is delicate with notes of bergamot and flint stone. Very fresh on the palate, dominated by the typical Viognier flavors. On the mid-palate, there is good balance between the acidic tension associated with its terroir of origin and the natural full body of the varietal and its ageing. The finish is savory, bringing out the rustic and mineral overtones.

Sautéed shrimp with ginger, rillettes, tapas with salmon and lime, cod tartare and green curries.

A relatively cool growing season and plenty of soil hydration made for a crop of wines with intensity, good acidity and balanced alcohol. Hand-harvested at optimal maturity.

Direct pressing of the whole bunches. Selection of the best juices from the pressing. Light settling. Fermentation followed by 8-9 months ageing in stainless vats. Undergoes malo-lactic fermentation. Very light stirring up of the lees (batonnage) during the first months of ageing.

Clay, quartz pebbles, limestone gravel and loess. Areas with leptynites (gneissic metamorphic rock) granitoids.

Grapes: 100% Viognier
Region: Vin de France/IGP Collines Rhodaniennes
Alcohol by Volume: 13.5%
Certifications: Organic/Biodynamic

Tasting Notes

Pale gold with aniseed-colored highlights. The nose is delicate with notes of bergamot and flint stone. Very fresh on the palate, dominated by the typical Viognier flavors. On the mid-palate, there is good balance between the acidic tension associated with its terroir of origin and the natural full body of the varietal and its ageing. The finish is savory, bringing out the rustic and mineral overtones.

Sautéed shrimp with ginger, rillettes tapas with two salmon and lime, cod tartare with radish. Serving temperature: 12°C.

Grapes are hand-harvested at maturity. Direct pressing of the whole bunches. Selection of the best juices from the pressing. Light settling. Fermentation followed by 8-9 months ageing in stainless vats. Undergoes malo-lactic fermentation. Very light stirring up of the lees (batonnage) during the first months of ageing.

Clay, quartz pebbles, limestone gravel and loess. Areas with leptynites (gneissic metamorphic rock) granitoids.

Grapes: 100% Viognier
Alcohol by Volume: 13.5%
Certifications: Organic/Biodynamic

Tasting Notes

Pale gold with aniseed-colored highlights. The nose is delicate with notes of bergamot and flint stone. Very fresh on the palate, dominated by the typical Viognier flavors. On the mid-palate, there is good balance between the acidic tension associated with its terroir of origin and the natural full body of the varietal and its ageing. The finish is savory, bringing out the rustic and mineral overtones.

Sautéed shrimp with ginger, rillettes tapas with two salmon and lime, cod tartare with radish. Serving temperature: 12°C.

Grapes are hand-harvested at maturity. Direct pressing of the whole bunches. Selection of the best juices from the pressing. Light settling. Fermentation followed by 8-9 months ageing in stainless vats. Undergoes malo-lactic fermentation. Very light stirring up of the lees (batonnage) during the first months of ageing.

Clay, quartz pebbles, limestone gravel and loess. Areas with leptynites (gneissic metamorphic rock) granitoids.

Grapes: 100% Viognier
Alcohol by Volume: 13.5%
Acidity: 4.3 g/L
Certifications: Organic/Biodynamic

  • 2023-05-01

    91

    points

    James Suckling, May 2023

    "Here’s a very good introduction to the viognier whites. Full peach and apricot aromas are married to a generous body and lively acidity. Some positive tannins at the finish. Grown at 250 meters altitude on a site that faces west with sandy granitic soil with a bit of loess. Vinified in stainless steel with sur lie aging. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold"

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  • 2022-01-20

    90-92

    points

    Wine Advocate, January 2022

    "From decomposed granite soils near Michel Chapoutier's private residence, the 2020 IGP Collines Rhodaniennes La Combe Pilate Viognier boasts lovely florals and beguiling apricot notes. Vinified and matured in used demi-muids, it's a wonderful expression of Viognier that won't break the bank. Medium to full-bodied, this vintage looks to be one of the best yet, featuring ample concentration and length. Drink Date: 2022-2024."

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  • 2022-01-01

    89

    points

    James Suckling, January 2022

    "Full nose of mashed banana with lychee and rose notes. A big mouthful of ripe fruit with a touch of warmth from alcohol and softness from low acidity at the finish. Slight astringency. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink now."

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TRADE & MEDIA ASSETS /////////////////

2021 M. Chapoutier La Combe Pilate Viognier – 91 points, James Suckling – Sell Sheet PDF

2021 M. Chapoutier La Combe Pilate Viognier – Vintage Notes

2020 M. Chapoutier La Combe Pilate Viognier – Vintage Notes

2019 M. Chapoutier La Combe Pilate Viognier – Vintage Notes

M. Chapoutier La Combe Pilate Viognier – Label

M. Chapoutier La Combe Pilate Viognier – Bottle