Maison Les Alexandrins Hermitage Blanc - 2021
Description
A partnership between two winegrowers from the Rhône Valley – Nicolas Jaboulet and Alexandre Caso – Maison les Alexandrins produces northern wines in a style at once contemporary and timeless, always from exceptional vineyards unearthed by Alexandre Caso, a specialist in the terroirs of the northern Rhône Valley. Classics with a twist, these wines and how they are aged and blended are guided by the quest for perfect harmony from a very young age.
Terroir
Our grapes come from vines planted in the localities of Rocoule and Maison Blanche, where the loess and chalky soils are ideal for white wines.
The vintage
2021 was a winemaker vintage and required great responsiveness to very variable weather, comforting us in the pursuit of our good work in the vineyard. Winter was mild, followed by spring frosts before a dry mid-spring and then a cool summer with record rainfall. By stripping the leaves at the beginning of July, our grapes remained healthy. The harvest started in good conditions with the whites on September 13th in Brézème (-80% harvest due to frost), followed by Crozes-Hermitage and Condrieu. The summer conditions preserved a rare balance in our region. The Marsanne and Roussanne reveal freshness, minerality and precision, the Viogniers aromas of fresh fruit and a mouth full of finesse. For the reds, the lowland vineyards are full of indulgence with floral aromas and soft tannins. Finally, the granite terroirs reveal notes of pepper and spices and a rich palate.
Location
This Grand Cru’s classic reputation has been built over the centuries around one hill and a history steeped in legend. Appreciated as far back as Roman times when they were called “Vienne wines” (like those from Côte-Rôtie), Hermitage wines then became known as “wines of the slopes of Saint-Christophe”, named after the local chapel dedicated to the saint. It would seem that the name Hermitage first appeared in the 17th century in memory of the knight Henri Gaspard de Stérimberg who, in the 13th century, on his return from the Albigensian Crusades, decided to live as a hermit on this hill, granted to him by Blanche of Castile, Queen of Spain. He is said to have replanted a vineyard which went on to take the name of Ermitage, and then Hermitage. This was only the beginning of the vineyard’s success; it is said that under the reign of Louis XIV, Hermitage was the favourite wine of the Russian tsars. The list of Hermitage enthusiasts is as long as it is illustrious, including as it does Henry IV, French poet Boileau, Louis XIII, Louis XIV, Nicolas II and Alexandre Dumas.
Process
- Vinified in barrels.
- Aged in barrels for 12 months.
Varietals
Marsanne : 50%
Roussane : 50%
Tasting
Beautiful shiny-gold colour. This wine presents a perfect balance between acidity and alcohol thanks to its two complementary grape varieties: Marsanne brings the richness while Roussanne sublimates the wine with its acidity and finesse. All in harmony, the nose offers a superb complex aromatic bouquet combining citrus aromas with toasted notes and grilled almonds. With great finesse and a beautiful fullness on the palate, this wine is both round and powerful and offers a very good aging potential.
Food pairings
This wine will go wonderfully with Bresse poultry with morels.
Serving
Serve between 12°C and 14°C. Can be opened today. Its dried fruit flavours come through after it has been laid down for a few years.