From eau-de-vie to Marcs, discover the spirits of the Maison M. CHAPOUTIER

From eau-de-vie to Marcs, discover the spirits of Maison M. CHAPOUTIER

Since its origins, the Maison M. CHAPOUTIER has cultivated the art of distillation in addition to wine production, and is fortunate to have experienced distillers among its members. For his spirits, Michel Chapoutier wanted to go beyond traditional practices by applying the notion of Terroir to them, and by moving away from traditional blends. His ambition is to give back to the marcs and spirits their vintage identity, while separating them by appellation, in order to better express the singularity of each Terroir and of our region.

Our attention to detail goes as far as ageing these spirits in oak casks used for the same appellations. This ageing method allows the specific characteristics of each vintage to concentrate and assert themselves fully, thanks to the distillation process, which naturally selects the aromas.

Distillation using a new still

A new alembic has recently joined the workshops of the Maison M. CHAPOUTIER, a veritable jewel of technology and tradition. This traditional column still, made entirely of copper, enables distillation to be carried out with incomparable precision, ensuring that the spirits are of exceptional Quality.

The column still is an essential tool in the distillation process. It works by heating the liquid (grape marc, wine or other) in a column made up of several stages. Each stage separates the different fractions of the liquid, allowing optimal extraction of the alcohol and aromas while eliminating impurities. Copper, a traditional material, is particularly appreciated for its thermal regulation properties and its positive influence on the quality of the distillate.

Thanks to this acquisition, Mr CHAPOUTIER now has the status of professional distiller, enabling him to further his work on spirits, refine his know-how and better express all the richness of the Rhône Terroirs in his creations.

Spirits aged under rock

Maison M. CHAPOUTIER has acquired an old railway tunnel in the Ardèche, buried 50 to 100 metres beneath the rock. At its heart, a natural spring gushes out, saturating the air with humidity until it reaches 100%.

One or two years after distillation in Tain l'Hermitage, the spirits are transferred there to rest for several years. Natural evaporation, the ‘angels’ share’, is partially offset by this exceptional ambient humidity. This unique microclimate allows our spirits to become rounder and smoother, slowly and completely naturally.

After this underground phase, the casks return to the dry cellars of Tain l'Hermitage, where the ageing process continues, this time in contact with drier air, further refining their character.


Marcs Millésimés from Sélections Parcellaires

In 1994, Michel Chapoutier revolutionised the codes by launching the first vintage marcs, a bold and innovative initiative in the world of spirits.

Four years later, in 1998, he went one step further by isolating the marcs by appellation, in keeping with the House's philosophy: absolute respect for the specific characteristics of the terroirs and a constant quest for expression through Sélections Parcellaires.

In this quest for authenticity, Maison M. CHAPOUTIER offers marcs bearing the geographical indication Eau-de-vie des Côtes-du-Rhône, from several of the Rhône Valley's great appellations, each expressing a unique identity:

So many exceptional Terroirs, revealed with rare expertise and meticulous know-how, highlighting our region.

For a touch of originality, incorporate these marcs directly into your recipes. Let yourself be inspired by our take on a classic: salmon steak delicately cooked with Marc de Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a daring encounter between Terroir and creativity.


Marcs Vieux, 42% alcohol by volume.

Here, the marcs are pressed and then preserved for distillation. Distillation is carried out by us in the traditional way using our traditional copper column still, guaranteeing finesse and precision. It is distilled in a single pass to preserve all the aromatic authenticity of the different Terroirs of the Rhône Valley.

The white eau-de-vie (around 70% alcohol by volume) is then aged for 15 to 20 years in French oak pièces (228 litres) and demi muids (600 litres) that have previously contained our finest white and red wines. Over the years, the gradual evaporation of the alcohol, the ‘angels’ share’, allows a natural lowering of the degree to between 40 and 45% alcohol by volume.


Fine Côtes du Rhône brandies distilled from our wines

Discover these eaux-de-vie from the Maison M. CHAPOUTIER, distilled from a selection of our wines from different vintages and from the northern and southern parts of the Rhône Valley: Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, Cornas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape... After distillation, they are aged in 228-litre French oak barrels, where they mature patiently, gaining in complexity and finesse.

Cocktail ideas
What if aperitifs took a new turn? For those who want to move away from the traditional wine, we offer a singular alternative: elegant alcohol-based cocktails made with Marc and brandy from the Maison M. CHAPOUTIER. These bold creations, rooted in our winegrowing heritage, reinvent the aperitif moment with character and distinction.

Cocktail ideas

What if aperitifs took a new turn? For those who want to move away from the traditional wine, we offer a singular alternative: elegant alcohol-based cocktails made with Marc and brandy from the Maison M. CHAPOUTIER. These bold creations, rooted in our winegrowing heritage, reinvent the aperitif moment with character and distinction.

The Horse's Neck revisited

A classic reinvented with Rhône accents

Let yourself be surprised by the unique combination of a great American bar classic and a treasure from the Rhone vineyards: eau-de-vie from the Maison M. CHAPOUTIER. A refined composition, where the intensity of the spirit meets the indulgence of the fruit, for a cocktail that is at once deep, elegant and resolutely singular.

Ingredients :


To make:

  • Place a few ice cubes in a glass to cool it.
  • Pour the Fine eau-de-vie over the ice cubes and let it settle for a moment.
  • Top up gently with the Ginger Ale, leaving the bubbles to dance on the surface.
  • Take a long lemon peel and slide it inside the glass, forming an elegant spiral along the sides.
  • Serve immediately, without stirring, to preserve the overlapping flavours.

Tasting notes:

On the palate, the harmony is subtle: the slightly caramelised sweetness of the ginger ale wraps around the aromatic power of the Fine, while the lemon adds a touch of lively acidity, balancing the whole and softening the sensation of sugar. It's a cocktail of contrasts, where the refinement of wine tradition meets the freshness of a moment of sharing.

The Marc Attacks!

Let yourself be surprised by Marc Attacks, a daring cocktail made with Marc M. CHAPOUTIER and the tangy sweetness of lime juice and homemade apple juice. Trenel raspberry cream adds a fruity, gourmet touch, while a dash of sugar syrup balances the whole. A fresh basil leaf rounds off this creation, adding a refreshing planty note. An original cocktail, perfect to awaken the Taste buds at the start of the evening.

Ingredients :

  • 4 cl Marc M. CHAPOUTIER
  • 2 cl fresh lime juice
  • 1 cl sugar syrup
  • 2 cl Trenel raspberry cream
  • 8 cl traditional apple juice
  • 1 fresh basil leaf

Preparation:

  • Pour the Marc, lime juice, sugar syrup, raspberry cream and apple juice into a shaker.
  • Add ice and shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds.
  • Strain into an old fashioned glass filled with fresh ice.
  • Slap the basil leaf between your hands to release the flavours and gently place as a garnish.
  • Tip: For an even more aromatic touch, you can rub the rim of the glass with a basil leaf before serving.
Facebook Twitter