Michel Chapoutier releases La Grenade in New York City
There are certain meetings in the wine world that feel less like business and more like a masterclass in philosophy. This past week, I had the extraordinary opportunity to sit down once again with Michel Chapoutier during his recent visit to New York City. While I have had the pleasure of meeting him before, this gathering offered an intimate window into the mind of a man who is as much a visionary as he is a winemaker. We met at the iconic Delmonico’s, a historic Manhattan landmark whose storied walls provided the perfect backdrop for a producer whose family legacy has shaped the Rhône Valley for generations.
To understand the weight of the afternoon, one must look at the purpose behind this journey. Michel Chapoutier traveled to New York this January on a dedicated business trip to personally introduce the latest treasures from his estate to the American market. Our intimate lunch at Delmonico’s served as the stage for a significant milestone: the official United States release of the prestigious M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape “La Grenade”. This wasn’t merely a tasting event; it was a rare opportunity to engage with a titan of the industry as he shared his forward-thinking approach to viticulture and his unwavering commitment to the purity of the Grenache grape.
What made this lunch truly special was the atmosphere. Michel is such a great personality, yet he remains a remarkably humble man. Throughout the meal, I felt so warmly welcome, as if I were sitting with a “tio” (uncle). This sense of comfort gave me the confidence to ask him about everything, from his own cooking skills to the intricate struggles of specific vintages. We spoke openly about the future, and his forward-thinking nature was evident in every answer.
The Brilliance of the Whites: The Magic of Marsanne
Before diving into the legendary reds, we began with the white wines, which were a true highlight. We explored the Saint-Joseph Blanc, specifically the Les Granits (including both the 2022 and 2020 vintages). These wines are crafted entirely from the Marsanne grape, an application that is vital to the Northern Rhône. These whites offer a unique “misticity” and a mineral acidity that makes them incredibly soul-food friendly.
The culinary highlight was a pairing that I will never forget: the Saint-Joseph Blanc served alongside a Yellowtail crudo garnished with Manzanilla flowers. While these flowers are notoriously bitter, the wine performed a breathtaking disappearing act on that bitterness. The weight and texture of the Marsanne perfectly complemented the fatty richness of the fish, while its structure smoothed over the herbal notes. It left me wishing we could find more Saint-Joseph in our local markets, it is an appellation that deserves a permanent spot on every table.
The Power of 100% Grenache: La Grenade, Barbe Rac, and Croix de Bois
The transition to the reds showcased the Southern Rhône in its purest form. The star was undoubtedly Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Grenade, a 100% Grenache red wine that captures the soul of the region. It was an aha moment as it always happen to me with the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appelation. However, La Grenade, 2023 is selected from a specific parcel and the winemakers behind M. Chapoutier do an excellent job selecting this parcel.
Sampling “La Grenade” was a sensory revelation. It greets you with a delicious, perfumed aroma that fills the glass immediately. On the palate, it strikes a beautiful balance, leaning toward a medium to light body that feels elegant and sophisticated rather than heavy. The wine is like silk in your mouth, medium body but lenghty and so deliciously easy to drink that is dangerous. What resonated with me most was the pronounced accent on the plum, the fruit is soft, approachable, and truly a joy to discover along with some strawberry and violets. Jeb Dunnuck whom I admire the most for his amazing palate, also shares my opinion and mentioned that 2023 vintage is ‘certainly up there with the most exciting new cuvées in the region’.
Similarly, the Barbe Rac and Croix de Bois provided a masterclass in site-specific expression, proving why Grenache is the undisputed heart of the Southern Rhône.
Almost the entire Châteauneuf-du-Pape range from M. Chapoutier, including the Croix de Bois 2022 and the Barbe Rac 2022, is crafted from 100% Grenache. In a region where complex blends are the norm, Michel’s commitment to a single variety allows the specific terroir of each plot to speak with absolute clarity.
A Visionary Facing the Future: Agave in France
Beyond the bottles, it was Michel’s foresight regarding climate change that left the deepest impression. He is actively looking into the future, and his innovation is truly surprising. In a move that took me by complete surprise as a Mexican, Michel shared that he is now growing agave in France.
This experiment is currently in its third year, and while it may be a decade before we see a finished product, it shows his radical innovation. He recognizes that the climate in the Rhône is shifting so rapidly that producers must adapt their mindsets and look to other plants to preserve the integrity of their land. Working alongside his family, specifically his son, Michel is ensuring that the Chapoutier legacy remains at the forefront by respecting the soil while fearlessly peering into the future.
A Legacy for Everyone
I admire the entire Chapoutier portfolio because there truly is a wine for everyone. Whether you are reaching for a prestigious bottle like “La Grenade” or exploring the mineral depths of Saint-Joseph, the quality remains consistent. As I always say at WineDivaa, “Vino is for everyone,” and Michel Chapoutier embodies that motto. I have followed this producer for years, and I will continue to follow his family’s legacy for the rest of my life. If you haven’t yet explored these wines, I urge you to follow the producer, their vision is what the future of wine looks like. Learn more about M. Chapoutier wines at
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