# Hermitage (2021)

- **Producer:** Tardieu-Laurent
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €74
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, black plum, black pepper, vanilla, cedar, smoke, tobacco, earth, leather

## About this wine

The Hermitage Maison Tardieu-Laurent 2021 is a red wine from the Northern Rhône appellation of Hermitage, produced by Tardieu-Laurent. The wine is made from 100% Syrah grapes sourced from old vines grown on specific terroirs within Hermitage. Tardieu-Laurent is recognized for its micro-négociant model, focusing on sourcing fruit from prime vineyard sites and employing meticulous aging processes. The 2021 vintage was marked by challenging climatic conditions, leading to a wine that reflects a classic character.

## Interesting facts

- Sourced from old vines on renowned Hermitage terroirs like Les Méal and Pierrelles.
- The 2021 vintage faced challenging weather but yielded a resilient, classic style.
- Dual aging in oak barrels and large vats balances wood influence with fruit expression.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and firm tannins are well-suited to rich, protein-heavy dishes, where they can cut through fat and complement the meat's texture. The wine's inherent spice and savory notes can echo or contrast with herbs and earthy flavors in the food, creating harmonious pairings.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Hermitage Maison Tardieu-Laurent 2021 begins with manual harvesting of grapes from old vines. The fruit is sourced from specific terroirs within Hermitage. Traditional and careful vinification techniques are employed. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 12 months in a mix of new and one-year-old oak barrels, and then for another 12 months in larger oak vats or foudres. This dual aging approach is a key technique used by the producer.