M. Chapoutier : L'Ermite 2008

The freshness and aromatic richness of a red wine from Ermitage signed M. Chapoutier

The property

Established since 1808 in Tain-L’Hermitage, the House of M. Chapoutier today embodies the elite of the greatest names in wines from the Rhône Valley.

Winemaker 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 finest connoisseurs beyond borders. A man of many hats, Michel Chapoutier holds the world record for 100/100 scores awarded by American critic 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

Parcel cuvée, L’Ermite 2008 from M. Chapoutier is an Ermitage wine made from a selection of old syrah vines. Located at the top of the Hermitage hill, in the place called l’Ermite, these vineyards over 80 years old are planted on very poor granitic soils.

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 weeks is carried out at a temperature not exceeding 32°C in order to guarantee optimal extraction. Only the free-run wine is used in the making of this wine. After the run-offs, the wine is put into new barrels and one-year-old barrels for aging for a period of about 8 to 20 months.

Blend

Syrah (100%).

Characteristics and tasting advice for L’Ermite 2008 from M. Chapoutier

Tasting

Color
The color is a deep garnet red.

Nose
Fine and subtle, the nose blends fragrances of black fruits with delicious notes of spices and ink.

Palate
Perfect expression of its original granitic terroir through delicate notes of smoke and pepper, the palate also seduces with its powerful and silky tannins. 

Food and wine pairings

This wine from the Rhône Valley ideally accompanies a rib of beef with girolles, a roast deer with its juice or a wild boar stew.