# Ermitage "De L'Orée" Blanc (2021)

- **Producer:** Maison M. Chapoutier
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Marsanne
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €295
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 12–14 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** peach, apricot, melon, blossom, lemon, ginger, butter, brioche, toast, vanilla, honey, mushroom, hazelnut, petrol

## About this wine

Produced by the legendary Maison M. Chapoutier, Ermitage "De L'Orée" Blanc is one of the most acclaimed white wines of the Northern Rhône Valley. Sourced from the historic "Les Murets" lieu-dit on the eastern slopes of the Hermitage hill, this wine is crafted from exceptionally old Marsanne vines, some exceeding 70 years of age. Michel Chapoutier, a pioneer in biodynamic viticulture, utilizes these ancient vines and unique alluvial soils to capture the pure essence of the terroir. Notably, the estate has included Braille on all its labels since 1996, paying tribute to Maurice de la Sizeranne, the inventor of French abbreviated Braille who was born in Tain-l'Hermitage. This wine represents the pinnacle of Northern Rhône white winemaking, historically celebrated since Thomas Jefferson's visit in 1787.

## Interesting facts

- Since 1996, Chapoutier has featured Braille on all labels, honoring Maurice de la Sizeranne, the inventor of French abbreviated Braille.
- The wine is sourced from the 'Les Murets' plot, featuring ancient Marsanne vines that average 60 to 70 years of age.
- De L'Orée has earned multiple perfect 100-point scores from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, cementing its legendary status.

## Food pairing

This full-bodied, unctuous white wine requires rich, highly concentrated, and savory dishes to match its immense weight and phenolic structure. The natural richness of lobster, sweetbreads, or cream-based sauces complements the wine's broad texture, while earthy elements like black truffles and wild mushrooms harmonize beautifully with its complex, evolving aromatic profile.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for De L'Orée is designed to preserve the structural purity and longevity of the Marsanne grape. Sourced from biodynamically farmed plots with microscopic yields of 12 to 15 hl/ha, the grapes are hand-harvested at optimal phenolic maturity. After a gentle pressing, the must undergoes cold-settling (débourbage) at low temperatures for 24 hours. Fermentation is carried out using only indigenous yeasts. Approximately 50% of the wine is vinified in large 600-liter oak barrels (demi-muids) with regular lees stirring (bâtonnage) to build texture and complexity, while the remaining 50% is fermented in concrete or stainless steel vats to maintain freshness and prevent early oxidation. The wine is aged for 10 to 12 months, with the final blend determined through rigorous blind tastings.