WINE OF THE WEEK: M. Chapoutier Côtes-du-Rhône 2024, Rhône, France
£8.75, Asda
I am very pleased to be able to make this Côtes-du-Rhône a Wine of the Week. It’s been a long time coming. I’ve been thwarted previously by it being removed online at the last minute and by price swings. The current ‘rollback’ price usually indicates a longterm reduction. Fingers crossed, because it’s a very good price (you can find it at a higher price labelled Côtes-du-Rhône Belleruche).
I’m also pleased at the timing. This is just the kind of wine to take us from summer into autumn. It's a red fit for sunshine – you can chill it lightly if you want to – and a red just as comfortable with warming food indoors on a dark evening.
M. Chapoutier (the M stands for Michel) is one of the two heavyweights (poids lourd in their own country) of the Rhône, along with E. Guigal. Both make very appealing Côtes-du-Rhône (and other wines), but in contrasting styles with different principal grape varieties. I like them both.
Chapoutier’s, based on Grenache and made and aged entirely in concrete and stainless steel, has a brighter, lighter feel with crunchy ripe fruit, white-pepper spice and a soft, fresh, earthy quality. The 2024 also reflects the cooler vintage.
Chapoutier Côtes-du-Rhône 2024 is an adaptable wine with food. You could pair it with mixed antipasti or meze, with ratatouille or spicy roast vegetables and pulses (roots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, peppers, onions, chickpeas, beans), with meat such as pork (including sausages and gammon), lamb and duck, or with bolognese, pizza or empanadas. 13%. Empty bottle weight: 408g.
M. Chapoutier Côtes du Rhône 2024, Rhône, France
£8.75, Asda
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