Hermitage

The Hermitage AOC is located on the left bank of the Rhône River. It covers 135 hectares across three communes: Tain l'Hermitage , Crozes-Hermitage , and Larnage , all within the Drôme department. The appellation takes its name from a medieval knight who, weary of war, came to retire here to cultivate vines. However, the vineyard has been renowned since antiquity.
Hermitage reds are made primarily from Syrah , sometimes blended with Roussanne and Marsanne. These wines have a beautiful ruby-red color and excellent aging potential, gaining roundness and suppleness with age. The white wines, though less common, are made from Marsanne and Roussanne grapes. They are characterized by a golden hue, aromas of flowers, peach, and hazelnut, and a remarkable capacity for aging.

Mr. Chapoutier

Founded in 1808, Maison Chapoutier is based in Tain l'Hermitage. The coat of arms features the family motto "Fac et spera," meaning "Do and hope." For 200 years, this family has cultivated vines in the Rhône Valley, and for the past few years also in Roussillon and Australia. Several aspects are unique to this winery: first, all the labels are also in Braille. Second, the winery practices single-vineyard selection for its prestige wines. Furthermore, all the vines are cultivated organically or biodynamically , with, of course, the harvest done by hand. Finally, as a fun fact, members of the Chapoutier family all have first names that begin with the letter M.

Mr. Chapoutier uses the old spelling of the appellation, Ermitage . The estate produces eight wines: De l'Orée , L'Ermite (white and red), Le Méal (white and red), Le Pavillon , Les Greffieux , and a Vin de Paille . In addition, there are two wines made from selected plots: Chante-Alouette , a white wine, and Monier de la Sizeranne , a red wine. The red wines are 100% Syrah and pair well with veal; the white wines are made from the Marsanne grape and are a perfect match for truffles and shellfish.

E. Guigal

Domaine Étienne Guigal was established in 1946 in the village of Ampuis. Over time, it has become a benchmark in the Northern Rhône Valley. In 1995, the Guigal family acquired the Château d'Ampuis, which now houses the estate's headquarters and cooperage.
The vines are cultivated using sustainable farming practices, and the harvest is done by hand. All the wines of the house, whether they come from prestigious plots or not, are vinified and aged in the three hectares of cellars and galleries in Ampuis.

The E. Guigal estate produces a red Hermitage and a white Hermitage each year.
Hermitage red is aged for three years in oak barrels and is a fine wine for cellaring. Its color is a deep ruby ​​red with violet highlights, a very intense hue. The nose reveals aromas of spices and small red fruits. On the palate, one finds sweet spices such as licorice and vanilla.
Hermitage Blanc is produced in smaller quantities. It is aged for two years in oak barrels. It has a straw-yellow color, and the nose expresses floral and vegetal aromas, often with notes of honey. On the palate, this wine is spicy and very structured. It ages beautifully.

In exceptional years, the estate also produces Ex Voto , a red Hermitage with excellent aging potential, concentrated and intense in both flavor and color. Ex Voto can also be produced as a white wine, with a bright yellow hue, a delicate nose, and a powerful palate with pronounced fruit aromas.