{"product_id":"ermitage-le-meal-chapoutier-hermitage-2018","title":"Ermitage Le Meal Chapoutier Hermitage, 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003eErmitage Le Méal by M. Chapoutier is one of the standout expressions of Hermitage Syrah, drawn from a prestigious hillside site in the northern Rhône. The 2018 vintage brings together power, finesse, and the deep mineral character that has made Hermitage one of France’s most celebrated red wine appellations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, it typically shows a dense, dark garnet or violet hue. The nose is layered and expressive, with notes of blackberry, black cherry, violet, smoked meat, graphite, black pepper, and subtle spice, alongside a distinct stony minerality.\n\nOn the palate, this is a full-bodied, structured wine with ripe dark fruit, savory depth, firm tannins, and excellent concentration. Le Méal is known for its balance of richness and precision, giving the wine the potential to age beautifully for many years, often developing greater complexity over 15 to 25 years or more.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLe Méal is a renowned Hermitage hillside vineyard site with classic Rhône terroir: steep granite-based slopes with varied alluvial and pebble-rich soils that help produce Syrah of intensity and aromatic complexity. The fruit is typically harvested by hand due to the steep terrain, ensuring careful selection of ripe grapes. Vinification is carried out with a focus on preserving purity, structure, and site expression, followed by maturation in oak to integrate tannins and build depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis wine pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, venison, beef fillet, duck, game birds, or rich mushroom dishes. It is best served at around 16–18°C, and decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended, especially in its youth, to help the aromas open and the structure soften.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eM. Chapoutier is one of the most respected names in the Rhône Valley, with a long family history and an especially strong reputation in Hermitage. The house is known for its commitment to terroir, sustainable and biodynamic viticulture, and producing wines that clearly reflect their origin. Chapoutier has earned international recognition for some of the region’s most expressive and collectible wines.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chapoutier","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54252105564497,"sku":"MS-57826","price":254.49,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/57826.png?v=1783443192","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/ermitage-le-meal-chapoutier-hermitage-2018","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}