Who makes it
M. Chapoutier's portfolio spans entry level Côtes du Rhône wines and Hermitage wines from owned vines. The business began when Polydor Chapoutier bought first vineyards in 1879, while the family presence in the Rhône reaches back to 1808. Max Chapoutier led the business until retiring in 1977, when Michel and Marc Chapoutier took over leadership.
Chapoutier also uses Braille on its wine labels. The practice began with the Monier de la Sizeranne Hermitage wine and later covered all bottles.
Where it grows
Two Rhône appellation names organise the range. Côtes du Rhône marks the entry level wines, while Hermitage names the appellation where Chapoutier owns vines. An appellation is a regulated geographic name on a wine label, so the two names separate the broad Côtes du Rhône tier from the Hermitage wines.
What they make
At the lower end are entry level Côtes du Rhône wines. Hermitage wines occupy the named site tier and come from owned vines. M. Chapoutier Belleruche Rouge is a red wine made from Grenache and Syrah, with silky, delicate tannins.
Belleruche Rouge has a juicy, powerful palate with red fruit and roasted notes. Its tannins are silky and delicate.