M. Chapoutier : L'Ermite 2018

The expression of a great red wine from Ermitage by M. Chapoutier

The property

Established since 1808 in Tain-L’Hermitage, the M. Chapoutier House embodies today the elite of the greatest names in the Rhône Valley.

Vine grower and merchant, Michel Chapoutier has managed over the vintages to lead this family business to the top. The wines of Maison Chapoutier are recognized for their refinement and high quality by the finest connoisseurs beyond borders. A man of many hats, Michel Chapoutier holds the world record for 100/100 scores awarded by the American Robert Parker. Mathilde, Michel Chapoutier's daughter, has taken up the torch of this iconic house, overseeing a vineyard of over 350 hectares across the most prestigious appellations of the northern and southern Rhône Valley.

The vineyard

L’Ermite 2018 from M. Chapoutier is an exceptional Ermitage wine from a vineyard certified in biodynamics since 1991. Located at the top of the Hermitage hill, around the chapel at the place called l’Ermite, this great Rhône Valley terroir is composed of leached brown soils, sandy, shallow, derived from Tournon granite. Some old vines aged 120 years are planted on very poor granite soils. In a constant search for excellence, a significant part of the vines is pre-phylloxera or replaced by layering (therefore ungrafted, i.e. without rootstock).

Vinification and aging

Late manual harvest to achieve optimal phenolic maturity. 100% destemming. Vinification in concrete tanks. Maceration of 4 to 6 weeks to develop the silky touch of the tannins. Exclusive use of free-run wine in the making of this wine. The aging is carried out in barrels (20% new barrels, 20% in barrels of one wine, 30% of two wines) and the balance in concrete tanks.

Blend

Syrah (100%)

Characteristics and tasting advice for L’Ermite 2018 from M. Chapoutier

Tasting

Color
The color is a very dark violet, almost black.

Nose
The nose blends fragrances of black fruits and spices.

Palate
The palate seduces with its alliance between powerful and velvety tannins. This wine is the perfect expression of the Syrah on this granitic terroir, through aromas of smoke and pepper typical of the grape variety.

Food and wine pairings

This wine from the Rhône Valley can accompany red meats (rib of beef) or game (roast deer, wild boar stew).