Maison Chapoutier is without doubt one of the most prestigious names in the Rhône producing some of the finest Hermitage. The domain converted its 350 hectares of vines to biodynamic viticulture, making it the largest vineyard to adopt this method of cultivation. It has held certification since 1999. The Chapoutier savoir faire has spread to other vineyards in other winemaking regions: Provence, Beaujolais, Roussillon, Champagne, Alsace, Portugal but also Australia. In 1879, Polydor Chapoutier bought a few hectares of vines and started a negociant business. Seven generations have succeeded him, and Michel Chapoutier is currently at the helm. Since 1996, all the labels have been transcribed in braille. Chapoutier is often one of the last to harvest to ensure that grapes reach optimal maturity.

The Barbe Rac cuvée comes from vines as old as 90 planted in pebbly soil, characteristic of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. The Grenache grapes are picked by hand and carefully sorted to preserve only the best fruit. Very sensitive to oxidation, this variety is vinified in concrete vats for three weeks. Only the free run juice is used for this single-parcel cuvée. What follows is a 16-month maturation in vats in order to refine the tannins and rest the wine. No wood is used in this process, the idea being to preserve all the freshness and delicacy of the wine. In the glass, this cuvée has an intense, garnet hue and its nose draws on notes of spice, strawberry and chocolate, all of which become more pronounced after a few years. On the palate, it is chewy and ample with exceptional length. It has an unbelievable potential for ageing, with some of the better vintages lasting up to 70 years.