Price: $295
Time: 2:45 - 4 pm
Speaker: Michel Chapoutier, Winemaker
Co-Host: Natalie Earl, France Regional Editor, Decanter

M. Chapoutier is among the most prestigious Rhône Valley wine producers and this fascinating masterclass will explore terroir secrets across the renowned hill of Hermitage. 

Dynamic and esteemed winemaker Michel Chapoutier will lead guests through a tasting of the producer’s top-drawer, terroir-driven wines.

Soil types can vary even between vineyard parcels on the hill of Hermitage in the northern Rhône, a spiritual home for Syrah and a crown jewel of French wine. 

Guests will learn how different zones of Hermitage can influence characteristics for both red and white wines, and about the importance of indigenous yeasts to terroir expression. This is a rare opportunity not to be missed.

• M. Chapoutier, De l'Orée, Ermitage, Rhône, France 2018
• M. Chapoutier, De l'Orée, Ermitage, Rhône, France 2011
• M. Chapoutier, Le Méal Blanc, Ermitage, Rhône, France 2018
• M. Chapoutier, Le Méal Blanc, Ermitage, Rhône, France 2011
• M. Chapoutier, Le Pavillon, Ermitage, Rhône, France 2014
• M. Chapoutier, Le Pavillon, Errmitage, Rhône, France 2011
• M. Chapoutier, L'Ermite, Ermitage, Rhône, France 2014
• M. Chapoutier, L'Ermite, Ermitage, Rhône, France 2011

Michel Chapoutier became head of Maison M. Chapoutier in 1990, at only 26 years old. A tireless curiosity and ability to think outside the box have helped to make Chapoutier one of the most celebrated winemakers of his generation. Describing himself as more farmer than winegrower, one of his principal quests has been to reveal and highlight the expression of soil types and overall terroir character behind individual wines – in France and beyond. An early adopter of biodynamics, his pioneering spirit is reflected in the motto: ‘If I stand still, I will fall’. He believes strongly in sharing ideas, and enjoys discussing his philosophy with young winemakers. 

Natalie Earl is Decanter’s regional editor for France, overseeing and commissioning French content across both print and digital.

After a degree in French and Italian, she initially worked in wine tourism in the south of France before returning to the UK in 2016 to join the tastings team at Decanter, making the shift to the editorial team in 2021.

She writes and tastes wines for the magazine and website, with a particular focus on the wines of Languedoc.