PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Belleruche means “beautiful beehive” in French, a name inspired by the bees and hives that thrive in the vineyards of M. Chapoutier, one of the Rhône Valley’s most respected houses. Based in Tain-l’Hermitage and led by Michel Chapoutier, who has been an outspoken champion of biodynamic and organic farming, the house is best known for its single-variety Hermitage and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and Belleruche is its everyday Côtes-du-Rhône: the “biggest wine” the producer makes, a blend of grapes from both the left and right banks of the Rhône.
The 2024 is 55% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 5% Marselan (a Grenache-Cabernet Sauvignon cross), destemmed and fermented for three to four weeks in concrete and stainless steel tanks, then aged six months in concrete vats and stainless steel, with no oak, and bottled under a screw cap. Chapoutier’s tasting note: “Deep garnet red. Intense and fruity aromas of blackcurrant and raspberry, enhanced by notes of white pepper. The palate is juicy, powerful and fruity with notes of red fruits, accompanied by lovely roasted notes. The tannins are silky and delicate.” A retailer adds “spicy liquorice notes.”
I found no professional scores for the 2024 other than one I’ve omitted, but the wine has a long track record. James Suckling scored the 2023 90 (May 2024): “Brimming with red fruit aromas, with notes of spices and dried herbs including laurel. Rich and fleshy, but with healthy tannins and an excellent freshness that drives the very harmonious finish.” Suckling also scored the 2022 90: “Plenty of crunchy red berries and cherries on the nose with dark cherries, dried thyme and peppercorns. Medium body with firm tannins. Juicy fruit at the center with structure and a vibrant core of peppercorns to the finish,” and the 2020 90. Wine Enthusiast scored a recent release 90: “Lush enough to sink your teeth into, this delicious everyday go-to wine is loaded with mulled raspberry, strawberry and blackberry topped with a handful of wild thyme.” Wilfred Wong of Wine.com scored the 2022 91 (“a serious Côtes-du-Rhône. Firm and showing excellent persistence on the palate”), and The Somm Journal scored the 2021 91. Wine.com shoppers rate the 2024 4.8 out of 5.
It’s a dependable, juicy, peppery Rhône red with a reputation for over-delivering at its price, a bottle for weeknight dinners, barbecues, and parties. Serve it at 16-18°C, slightly cool, with grilled sausages, roast chicken, lamb, burgers, ratatouille, and Mediterranean dishes.
M. Chapoutier 2024 Belleruche Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge is produced by Maison M. Chapoutier in Tain-l’Hermitage, Rhône Valley, France, a blend of 55% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 5% Marselan from the left and right banks of the Rhône. Destemmed, fermented 3-4 weeks in concrete and stainless steel tanks, aged 6 months in concrete and stainless steel. Screw cap. 13.5% ABV (some retailers list 14.5%), 750ml.
No 2024 scores found for use. House-style context from other vintages:
James Suckling — 90 Points (2023 vintage, May 2024):
“Brimming with red fruit aromas, with notes of spices and dried herbs including laurel. Rich and fleshy, but with healthy tannins and an excellent freshness that drives the very harmonious finish. This producer’s biggest wine is a blend of wines from the left and right banks of the Rhône.”
James Suckling — 90 Points (2022 vintage):
“Plenty of crunchy red berries and cherries on the nose with dark cherries, dried thyme and peppercorns. Medium body with firm tannins. Juicy fruit at the center with structure and a vibrant core of peppercorns to the finish.”
Wine Enthusiast — 90 Points:
“Lush enough to sink your teeth into, this delicious everyday go-to wine is loaded with mulled raspberry, strawberry and blackberry topped with a handful of wild thyme.”
Wilfred Wong, Wine.com — 91 Points (2022 vintage) · The Somm Journal — 91 Points (2021 vintage)
M. Chapoutier (tasting notes, 2024):
“Deep garnet red. Intense and fruity aromas of blackcurrant and raspberry, enhanced by notes of white pepper. The palate is juicy, powerful and fruity with notes of red fruits, accompanied by lovely roasted notes. The present tannins are silky and delicate.”
Nose
Deep garnet. Intense blackcurrant and raspberry, with white pepper, garrigue, dried herbs, and spice.
Palate
Juicy, powerful, and fruity, with red fruit, spicy liquorice, roasted notes, and silky, delicate tannin.
Finish
Fresh and harmonious, with peppery spice and a roasted edge.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Appellation | Côtes-du-Rhône AOP, Rhône Valley, France |
| Blend | 55% Grenache · 40% Syrah · 5% Marselan |
| Vintage | 2024 |
| Producer | M. Chapoutier — Tain-l’Hermitage |
| Aging | 6 months in concrete and stainless steel (no oak) |
| Closure | Screw cap |
| ABV | 13.5% (producer) |
| Critics | None found for 2024; 2023 James Suckling 90; 2022 Suckling 90, Wilfred Wong 91 |
| Serving Temperature | 16–18°C |
| Style / Identity | A juicy, peppery, fruit-forward everyday Rhône red |
| Aromas & Flavors | Blackcurrant, raspberry, white pepper, garrigue, licorice, roasted notes |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
Serve slightly cool, at about 16-18°C (61-64°F).
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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