M. Chapoutier : L'Ermite 2020

The power and refinement of a great Ermitage red wine

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.

Vinegrower 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 most discerning 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 2020 from M. Chapoutier is an 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 terroirs. In a constant search for excellence, a significant part of the vines is pre-phylloxera or replaced by layering (therefore own-rooted, i.e. without rootstock).

Vinification and aging

The manual harvest is carried out late in order to have favorable natural degrees. 100% destemmed, the berries are 100% vinified in concrete vats. The maceration of about 4 to 6 weeks is carried out at a temperature above 30°C in order to guarantee optimal extraction. Only the free-run wine is used in the making of this wine. Aging in barrels of which 20% new, 20% of one wine, 30% of two wines and the balance in concrete vats.

Blend

Syrah (100%). 

Characteristics and tasting advice for L’Ermite 2020 from M. Chapoutier

Tasting

Color
The color is of an intense dark violet, almost black.

Nose
The nose combines fragrances of black fruits with notes of spices and ink.

Palate
The palate reveals tannins that combine power with a velvety touch. As the tasting progresses, the palate is seduced by its notes of smoke and pepper, characteristic of the Syrah from this exceptional granite terroir.

Food and wine pairings

This Rhône Valley wine pairs wonderfully with red meats (rib of beef) or game (roast deer, wild boar stew).