1998 Chapoutier Les Bcasses Cte Rtie

Notes sourced from M. Chapoutier

GRAPE VARIETY
Syrah.

SOIL
Chlorite and ferruginous mica-schists, gorre and granite, mixed in loess and earth veins.Two main slopes stand out :
- "the Côte Brune" : Schist with limon and rich in pebbles from the glacial era.
- "the Côte Blonde" : A lighter soil colour due to the silico-calcareous deposit from the glacial era.

HARVEST
Hand harvested at maturity.

VINIFICATION
The grapes ferment in open wooden vats after partial or total de-stemming, depending on the year. Two daily treadings ensure a good extraction of the colour and of the tannins. The temperature of fermentation does not exceed 32°C. Fermentation lasts from 15 to 18 days depending on the vintage.

MATURING
Maturing can begin after vinification. It takes place in oak casks, of which one third is new.This wine is unfiltered and unfined.

TASTING
Colour : Deep purple red.
Nose :Raspberry, a hint of violet, a touch of olive and "tapenade", of rosemary, with spice dominant.
Palate : Full flavoured, deep taste, with an aftertaste of wood, spices and vanilla.