# Hermitage Rouge (2020)

- **Producer:** E. Guigal
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah
- **Region:** Rhône Valley, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €60
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black pepper, black plum, violet, black cherry, cloves, cedar, smoke, vanilla, earth, leather, wet leaves, tobacco

## About this wine

E. Guigal's Hermitage Rouge 2020 is a single-varietal Syrah from the prestigious Hermitage AOC in the Northern Rhône Valley. The Guigal family, with a legacy dating back to 1946, is renowned for its dedication to producing wines that reflect the unique character of their appellations. The Hermitage hill, with its ancient soils and ideal climate, provides the perfect environment for Syrah, resulting in wines known for their power and elegance. The 2020 vintage benefited from a warm and dry growing season, contributing to the wine's concentration and structure.

## Interesting facts

- Hermitage is one of the oldest named wine regions in the world.
- The Hermitage hill is small, producing only about 150,000 bottles annually.
- Guigal's Hermitage Rouge is aged for 36 months in oak, with half being new.
- The average vine age for this wine is around 30 years.

## Food pairing

The wine's robust structure and firm tannins are well-suited to complement the richness and protein of red meats and game. The wine's savory notes can echo the herbs and earthy flavors often found in these dishes, while its intensity stands up to bold preparations.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for E. Guigal's Hermitage Rouge begins with a manual harvest and careful sorting of the Syrah grapes. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks with controlled temperatures and regular punch-downs for about three weeks. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for approximately 36 months in oak barrels, with 50% of them being new. This extended maturation period in oak is a key technique that contributes to the wine's structure and development.