2021 Hermitage Blanc Chante Alouette
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Tasting notes
Full bottle 1,330 g. 100% Marsanne. Whole grapes are pressed and a moderate amount of sulphur is used. Light settling. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts, mostly in demi-muids, barrels (80% of which 10% new) and stainless-steel vats (20%). 10 months’ ageing with lees stirring. Certified organic (Ecocert) and biodynamic (Demeter). Smoky richness, cooked cream and warm honey on the nose giving the wine burnish, a glimmering lode of gold-and-iron minerality. Curried peaches; sweetness and earthy spice. Drive and dramatic presence without weight. Honeysuckle on the finish. Just beginning to enter its orbit and it’s gorgeous. (TC)
Critic scores
Average Score
Alistair Cooper MW, jancisrobinson.com
Tamlyn Currin, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
From a vintage that has proved very successful for the region's white wines, Chapoutier's 2021 Hermitage Chante-Alouette features aromas of beeswax, almond skin, melon and tangerine. It's medium-bodied, round, concentrated, nicely balanced and harmonious, with a long, citrusy finish.
The medium-bodied 2021 Hermitage Blanc Chante-Alouette is a sapid white with good potential. Ripe peach, lemon peel, yellow apple, pear, spring blossom, flintstone and cedary shadings introduce it. Lean and refreshing, it packs a savory punch. At this early stage, I have a slight preference for the 2022.
Just bottled three weeks before this tasting, the 2021 Hermitage Chante-Alouette Blanc is all Marsanne that was brought up in 65% demi-muids and the balance in stainless steel. It's not going to match the 2020, but don't let that stop you, it has textbook Hermitage character and is medium-bodied, balanced, has integrated acidity, and a great finish. It's still tight and slightly reserved (no doubt due to its recent bottling) but offers impressive stone fruit, quince, and honeyed minerality, the purity and freshness of the vintage, and a great finish. It should benefit from 2-4 years in the cellar and drink brilliantly over the following 10-15 years.