E. Guigal - Crozes-Hermitage - Red 2015 | Monsieur Touton Selection

Vintage

From a vintage nearly as perfect as you could get, from vine dormancy right through harvest, the wines are spellbinding. Considered among the top vintages of the last 20+ years, these wines will be highly sought after. The 2015 vintage started well before the first bud-break. Replenishing rain in the winter restored the water tables to supply the plants with nutrients while abundant sunshine and warmth helped the vine mature the berries to perfection as the generous diurnal shift maintained the acidity and freshness of the fruit.

Estate

The firm of E. Guigal, located in Ampuis, was founded in 1946 by Etienne Guigal. Since 1961 his son Marcel has led the estate, and his unparalleled work ethic and dedication to quality have brought attention to Cote-Rotie and other appellations throughout the Rhone that were in danger of being lost, and lifted the Guigal wines to the pinnacle of the wine world. Today, Marcel's son Philippe serves as Director and Oenologist, continuing the tradition of leadership in the Rhone Valley and uncompromising excellence.

Vineyard

Guigal first produced a Crozes-Hermitage in 1999 after the acquisition of lowyielding, hillside vineyards. The vineyards are grouped in the north of the appellation, specifically around the villages of Gervans, Mercurol, Larnage and Crozes-Hermitage itself.

Vinification

The 2015 was rested for 24 months in 228 liter barrels exclusively produced at Guigal’s Chateau d’Ampuis cooperage.

Wine

Crozes-Hermitage can be considered the gateway to the red and white wines of the Northern Rhône Valley. The reds, which are the majority of production, have wonderful warm flavors of red and black fruit, and typical Syrah pepper, spice and savory notes. They are more approachable than their highly revered cousins in Côte-Rotie and Hermitage, with an appealing freshness that makes them drinkable early in life.

France Rhone Valley Crozes-Hermitage