Hermitage Rouge (2021) - Les Alexandrins
Hermitage Rouge is one of the most prestigious wines of the region, made from historic vineyards that have inspired generations of winegrowers.
Hermitage Rouge (2021) - Les Alexandrins
Type: Red Wine
Area: France, Rhône, Hermitage
Appellation: Hermitage AOC
Grape variety: Syrah
Vintage: 2021
Winery: Les Alexandrins
Alcohol: 13
The appellation: Hermitage AOC
Hermitage AOC is one of the most prestigious appellations of the northern Rhône Valley and of the whole of France. Known for its extraordinary Syrah-based red wines and for the refined whites made from Marsanne and Roussanne, Hermitage represents the absolute pinnacle of French wine production.The wines of this appellation are appreciated the world over for their power, complexity and longevity, capable of developing magnificently for decades.
Find out more about Hermitage AOCWhat to eat with Hermitage Rouge
Who makes it: Les Alexandrins
Les Alexandrins was born of the union of three wine talents: Guillaume Sorrel, Alexandre Caso and Nicolas Jaboulet, with the aim of enhancing the winemaking heritage of the northern Rhône. Set in the heart of the most prestigious appellations, this winery combines tradition, savoir-faire and authentic expression of the terroir. Les Alexandrins stands out for its craft winemaking, which brings out the purity of the region's typical grape varieties, in particular Syrah and Marsanne.
Find out more about Les AlexandrinsThe vine of Hermitage Rouge
Syrah
Syrah is one of the most iconic and widely admired black grape varieties in the world, known for intense, structured reds with plenty of character. Native to the Rhône Valley in France, Syrah has spread to vineyards everywhere thanks to its remarkable versatility and its ability to adapt to different terroirs. Wines made from Syrah stand out for their fruity, spicy aromas and their great longevity.
Find out moreHermitage Rouge: the area
Hermitage
Hermitage is one of the most prestigious wine areas of the northern Rhône Valley, in France. This small but renowned territory is famous for its extraordinary red wines made mainly from Syrah and for its refined whites based on Marsanne and Roussanne. Hermitage wines are celebrated for their power, complexity and extraordinary longevity, representing the absolute pinnacle of French wine production.
Find out more about HermitageClimate: Continental
Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)
Soil: Rocky / granite
Geographical setting: River
Profile of Hermitage Rouge
Primary aromas: Ripe red fruits (raspberry, cherry) and notes of blackberry.
Secondary aromas: Vanilla, sweet spices, black pepper and a subtle echo of ripe black olives.
Tertiary aromas: Leather, tobacco, coffee and cocoa.
Tasting notes: The aromatic complexity is enriched by a characteristic black olive aroma, which adds a saline, slightly herbaceous note, balancing the fruity and spicy tones.
| Sulphites | yes |
| Body | Full-bodied and dense in the glass |
| Acidity | Medium, well balanced |
| Tannin | Firm but velvety |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Finish | Long, with an aftertaste of black fruits and spices. |
| Colour | Deep ruby red with purple reflections |
| Clarity | Clear and bright |
| Body | Full and enveloping. |
Winemaking methods used for Hermitage Rouge
Spontaneous fermentation
Spontaneous fermentation is one of the most fascinating and natural techniques in winemaking, relying solely on the indigenous yeasts present on the grape skins and in the cellar environment. Widely valued in the world of natural and biodynamic wine, it brings out biodiversity and terroir, giving the wine a unique and authentic character.
Find out moreExtended maceration (2–3 weeks)
Extended maceration, lasting between 2 and 3 weeks, is a traditional red winemaking technique used to obtain wines of great structure, depth and ageing potential. Over this period the skins stay in contact with the must for longer than average, allowing a more intense extraction of colour, tannins and complex aromatic compounds. It is typical of wines built for long ageing, made to express themselves over time.
Find out moreAgeing methods used for Hermitage Rouge
In cask (7–18 months)
Ageing in cask for between 7 and 18 months is a classic but measured approach to maturing wine. Large casks, usually Slavonian oak or untoasted French oak, allow natural micro-oxygenation, which helps the wine settle, knit together and develop a more complex, harmonious profile. This kind of ageing is widely used for terroir-driven reds and for some structured whites that are after depth without the aromatic intensity a barrique would give.
Find out more