M. Chapoutier : L'Ermite 2020

The power and refinement of a fine red wine from Ermitage

The estate

Established since 1808 in Tain-L'Hermitage, M. Chapoutier is an elite reference among fine Rhône Valley wines today.

Winemaker and wine merchant, Michel Chapoutier has successfully elevated this family-owned business to the very top. The wines by Maison Chapoutier are renowned by the finest connoisseurs from all around the world for their refinement and high quality. A man of many talents, Michel Chapoutier holds the world record for 100/100 scores awarded by the American critic, Robert Parker. Mathilde, Michel Chapoutier's daughter, has taken over the running of this iconic house, which comprises over 350 hectares of vineyards in the most prestigious appellations of the northern and southern Rhône Valley region.

The vineyard

M. Chapoutier's Ermite 2020 is an Ermitage wine made from a vineyard that has been certified biodynamic since 1991. Located at the top of the slope of Hermitage, around the chapel in a hamlet called l'Ermite, this fine Rhône Valley terroir is composed of shallow, sandy, leached brown soils from the Tournon granite. Some of the 120-year-old vines are planted on very nutrient-poor granite soils. Constantly seeking excellence, a large proportion of the vines date from before the phylloxera devastation or have been replaced by layering (i.e. without rootstock).

Vinification and ageing

The grapes are harvested by hand late in the season in order to obtain favourable natural contents. The grapes are 100% destemmed and vinified in concrete vats. Maceration lasts approximately 4 to 6 weeks and is carried out at a temperature of over 30°C in order to guarantee optimal extraction. Only free-run wine is used in the production of this wine. Aged in barrels, 20% of which are new, 20% of which are second-fill, 30% of which are third-fill and the remainder in concrete vats.

The blend

Syrah (100%).

Ermite 2020 by M. Chapoutier: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

The colour is an intense dark purple, almost black.

Nose

The nose blends black fruit fragrances with notes of spices and ink.

Palate

The palate reveals tannins that combine power with a velvety feel. Throughout the tasting experience, the palate is seduced by its notes of smoke and pepper, a feature of the Syrah varietal from this exceptional granite terroir.