Description
The history of Hermitage is very old and according to a number of books it goes back to the Romans (500 years before Christ). The local legend relates the story of an 18th century knight who, returning from a crusade, built a chapel at the top of a hill and lived there like a hermit, hence the name Ermitage. Returning from a trip to Ermitage in 1787, Thomas Jefferson, the American Ambassador in France, declared his admiration for this white wine the best wine in the world, with no equal. His comments on the red wines were just as praising Full-bodied, dark purple with exquisite flavours.
Terroir
The terroirs for the whites are quite different. Generally Marsanne and Roussanne are planted on the high plateau on the localities of Maison Blanche and Roucoules. The soils are composed of Loess and limestone which are ideal for white varieties. The balance between the 2 varieties gives the wine a good acidity with great structure.
The vintage
In 2018, we were lucky to have another very good vintage in the Northern Rhône Valley. A generous and qualitative crop despite major climatic hazards that required the greatest attention.
There was an early start to the vegetative cycle with a particularly rainy spring, especially in May and June, causing suspicions of mildew, which, fortunately did not take place. Then the summer was scorching hot with drought and risks hailstorms. These tense and extreme conditions required increased monitoring, responsiveness and constant vigilance in the vineyard.
The harvest then began under bright sunshine on August 31st with our first harvest on the Brézèyme appellation and ended on September 25th with the red St Joseph. For each area, the sessions were quite short, with a very strict selection of the bunches, in order to harvest at optimum maturity while maintaining freshness and liveliness. We have worked daily, tasting the berries, differentiating the age of the vines, the grape varieties, the terroirs to personalise each snip of secateurs and only select the best.
Thus, the 2018 wines are ample, voluptuous and generous, with great liveliness and freshness.
Location
The prestigious hill overlooking the village of Tain lHermitage and the Rhne river. Located on the left bank of the river, this vineyard is south facing and is sheltered from the cold northern wind.
Process
Vinified in barrels. Ageing in barrels for 12 months.
Varietals
Marsanne : 50%
Roussane : 50%
Tasting
Pretty golden colour with shiny reflections. The nose shows delicacy with a nice minerality with aromas of peach, white flowers and a hint of exotic fruit. Its fresh and velvety mouth offers notes of white flowers, lemons evolving towards notes of brioche and toast. Nice length, very straight, a wine with finesse.
Serving
Drink now with poultry. Decant an hour before and serve at a temperature of 12-13°C. You can also keep this wine a few years and drink it when aromas of dried fruit have developed.
Reviews
94/100
"Unctuous in feel, with creamed papaya, pear and white peach flavors, coated with a lemon shortbread note and carrying through the lush, citrus oil–accented finish. Best from 2022 through 2035."
Wine Spectator - 2020