'ERMITAGE RED HERMIT' Chapoutier Michel 2011

L'Ermitage Rouge Ermite is a great red wine produced by the Michel Chapoutier maison, one of the historic French wineries in the Rhone Valley. Even the famous writer Alexandre Dumas is said to have been an admirer of this red wine, appreciated in France and around the world. The Syrah grapes with which Ermitage Rouge Ermite is produced grow on the gentle hills of the Hermitage. Here the vineyards were planted 80 years ago on granite soil ideal for vineyards. The climatic conditions of the area allow for a late harvest, so the bunches are harvested only when they reach ideal ripeness. To arrive at the production of wine, a completely natural procedure is followed, respecting the characteristics of the terroir. After harvesting, the grapes are left to macerate to obtain full-bodied and velvety tannins. For ageing, the winery uses wooden barrels where the wine is aged for 8 to 20 months to achieve the ideal refinement. In the glass, it is very dark garnet in colour, almost black. On the nose it expresses traces of black fruits with hints of spices and ink. On the palate, very powerful and velvety tannins, notes of smoke, pepper, spices. It is a sumptuous, powerful, intense, truly complex and at the same time intriguing wine. It hides, between the lines, a truly extraordinary potential for aging, at least 30 or 40 years, without any problems. It is simply and constantly improving! An important added value of this important winery is the absolute respect for nature: for this reason, the company produces its wines following the principles of agriculture and biodynamic production.