M. Chapoutier : L'Ermite 2018

The expression of a great red wine from Ermitage by Chapoutier

The estate

Planted since 1808 in Tain-L’Hermitage, Maison M. Chapoutier ranks as an elite amongst the biggest names in the Rhone Valley.

Winemaker and merchant, Michel Chapoutier has succeeded in leading his family business to the top over the years. The wines from Maison Chapoutier are recognised for their refinement and great quality by the finest connoisseurs beyond borders. A man of many talents, Michel Chapoutier holds the world record for 100/100 scores awarded by Robert Parker. Mathilde, daughter of Michel Chapoutier, has taken over the torch of this iconic old house which overlooks a vineyard of over 350 hectares across the most prestigious appellations of the northern and southern Rhone Valleys.

The vineyard

The Ermitage l’Ermite by Chapoutier is an exceptional cuvée produced from a vineyard certified in biodynamism since 1991. Located at the top of Hermitage hill, around the chapel in Ermite, this great terroir in the Rhone Valley is made up of leached brown sandy and shallow soils issued from Tournon granite. Some 120-year-old vines are planted on very poor granite soils. In a constant search for excellence, a significant part of the vines are pre-phylloxeric or issued as a substitute through layering (non-grafted, that is to say without rootstocks).

Winemaking and ageing

Late manual harvests to achieve perfect phenolic ripeness. 100% destemming. Vinification in concrete vats. Maceration for 4 to 6 weeks to develop the tannins’ silky touch. Exclusive use of free-run wine in the production of this wine. Ageing in barrels (20% new barrels, 20% in barrels of 1 previous wine, 30% of 2 previous wines) with the rest in concrete vats.

Blend

Ermitage l’Ermite 2018 by Chapoutier is a 100% Syrah wine.

Tasting

Colour

The wine is a very dark purple, almost black.

Nose

The nose mixes fragrances of black fruits, spices and ink.

Palate

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

Keeping

Depending on the vintage, Ermitage l’Ermite de Chapoutier can wait in the cellar for 30 to 75 years to unveil all of its aromatic palette.