E. Guigal : Ex Voto 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes for E. Guigal's Ermitage "Ex Voto" 2023

Tasting

Appearance

In the glass, this white wine reveals a bright, remarkably limpid straw-yellow hue.

Nose

The aromatic bouquet is particularly intense and complex. It exudes powerful notes of white flowers, hawthorn and acacia honey, harmoniously complemented by subtle hints of lemon zest, cedar and toasted bread.

Palate

Ample and generous, the palate delivers a fleshy texture and impressive breadth. It unfolds flavours of ripe peach, orange blossom, brioche and beeswax. The overall impression is defined by an exceptional length, reflecting its terroir of origin with both power and elegance.

Food and wine pairings

This great white wine pairs beautifully with aged hard cheeses, poultry in complex sauces such as coq au vin, or meaty fish like salmon and tuna. Seafood, particularly lobster, crab and scallops, also makes an excellent match.

Serving and cellaring

To fully appreciate the Ermitage "Ex Voto" 2023, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 8 and 10°C. A gentle decanting can prove useful, followed by a resting period in the glass to release all its aromas. Endowed with remarkable ageing potential, this wine will continue to evolve in the cellar for several decades.

The elegance and power of an Hermitage white wine crafted by E. Guigal

The estate

Founded in 1946 by Étienne Guigal in Ampuis, the E. Guigal estate has established itself as a true benchmark of the Rhône Valley in France. Today, the property is run by Philippe Guigal and his wife Eve, who carry on the family expertise with the support of Marcel and Bernadette Guigal. The estate oversees a vineyard of approximately 150 acres spread across prestigious appellations. Renowned for its exacting standards, it combines sustainable practices with artisanal mastery, and even operates its own cooperage to enhance its wines.

The vineyard

This Ermitage wine comes from the prestigious Ermitage hill, a historic terroir featuring highly diverse soils. The grapes are sourced from two specific plots: Les Murets, characterised by alluvial and stony soils, and L'Hermite, resting on loess and sandy limestone. The vines, averaging 50 to 90 years old, benefit from organic and sustainable viticultural practices, certified High Environmental Value.

The vintage

The 2023 season began with a particularly dry winter, followed by a cold, wet spring that slowed vegetative growth. August was then marked by an intense heatwave that accelerated berry ripening, before welcome rains in September brought relief to the vines, allowing them to achieve a remarkable balance.

Winemaking and ageing

The crafting of the Ermitage "Ex Voto" 2023 is the object of meticulous care. Both alcoholic and malolactic fermentations take place entirely in new French oak barrels, produced by the estate's own cooperage. The wine then benefits from an extended ageing of 30 months in barrels. In order to preserve all its complexity and the authentic expression of its terroir, this cuvée is bottled without any fining or filtration.

Grape varieties

This blend is composed of 90% Marsanne and 10% Roussanne.