The Vine


The grape variety is a revealer of terroir. In great wines, it should never overpower the terroir.

 

 

Hermitage red

SYRAH

Syrah gives the wines density and deep length; its tightly woven tannins, silky grain and graphite accents reflect its granite soil. Its fleshy, sensual texture and inky, black fruit aromas are the best expression of the alluvial terraces.

The blend of these different expressions of Syrah contributes to the incomparable taste of Hermitage La Chapelle.

These Syrah vines, with roots that delve into the parcels of Bessards and Méal for over a hundred years, are in perfect harmony with their terroir.

We carry out a massal selection of our oldest vines in our Syrah conservatory. Every year, the 10 selections are vinified in a micro-vinification cellar.

We use this work for replanting, of course, but also for future vine renewals, because even the best nurserymen can’t supply us with plants from this unique heritage.

We carry out a massal selection of our oldest vines in our Syrah conservatory. Every year, the 10 selections are vinified in a micro-vinification cellar.

We use this work for replanting, of course, but also for future vine renewals, because even the best nurserymen can’t supply us with plants from this unique heritage.

Hermitage white

ROUSSANNE

This grape variety, native to the Rhône Valley, was first mentioned in 1780.

It thrives in the poor clay-limestone soils found in Hermitage.

Louis Jaboulet, convinced that its acidity was beneficial to the balance and longevity of his white wines, always maintained a significant proportion of Roussanne in the Hermitage vineyard.

A fantastic heritage!

Hermitage white

MARSANNE

Iconic of the Rhône Valley, this grape variety has been cultivated there for over 2000 years. Our centenary vines thrive particularly well on the parcels of Maison Blanche and Murets Plateaux, where loess soils moderate water stress.

It imparts body and a touch of bitterness to the Chevalier de Sterimberg wine in the finish. The national conservatory of Marsanne is located on our Saint-Péray parcels.

Marsanne is also the chosen grape variety for crafting our Vin de Paille of Hermitage.

Caring Viticulture

The vine, this tamed vine. We tend to forget, but the vine is wild. Beneath its appearance of an elegant bonsai, lies a vine that used to climb in the canopy to heal the edges of alluvial forests. Its strength, its wild instinct, have been tamed to yield precious clusters that will make the heart of our wines beat.

Regeneration
and resilience

2006

REASONED AGRICULTURE AND THE BEGINNING OF THE TRANSITION TO ORGANIC FARMING.

2012

ISO 9001 AND 14001 CERTIFICATIONS.

2016

FIRST CERTIFIED ORGANIC VINTAGE AND TRANSITION TO BIODYNAMICS.

2018

HERMITAGE 100% CULTIVATED ACCORDING TO THE PRINCIPLES OF BIODYNAMICS.

To achieve this perfect harmony, a regenerative approach that involves a deep understanding of the nature of the vine and its connection to its overall environment has been implemented.

Embracing a resilient approach is an obvious priority in order to preserve this unique heritage that is the terroir of Domaine de La Chapelle Hermitage. Preservation does not mean stagnation; we view viticulture as a constant pursuit without limiting ourselves to a single approach.
Numerous trials conducted on the soils, vine, and wine allow us to observe, among other things, an improvement in soil structure and increased tolerance to water stress.

The wines exhibit more freshness, purity, and brightness, with vibrant aromas.

In this virtuous alchemy between the mineral, the vegetal, and the animal, the great wines of terroir are born, embodying soul and depth.

Regeneration
and resilience

To achieve this perfect harmony, a regenerative approach that involves a deep understanding of the nature of the vine and its connection to its overall environment has been implemented.

Embracing a resilient approach is an obvious priority in order to preserve this unique heritage that is the terroir of Domaine de La Chapelle Hermitage. Preservation does not mean stagnation; we view viticulture as a constant pursuit without limiting ourselves to a single approach.
Numerous trials conducted on the soils, vine, and wine allow us to observe, among other things, an improvement in soil structure and increased tolerance to water stress.

2006

REASONED AGRICULTURE AND THE BEGINNING OF THE TRANSITION TO ORGANIC FARMING.

2012

ISO 9001 AND 14001 CERTIFICATIONS.

2016

FIRST CERTIFIED ORGANIC VINTAGE AND TRANSITION TO BIODYNAMICS.

2018

HERMITAGE 100% CULTIVATED ACCORDING TO THE PRINCIPLES OF BIODYNAMICS.

The wines exhibit more freshness, purity, and brightness, with vibrant aromas.

In this virtuous alchemy between the mineral, the vegetal, and the animal, the great wines of terroir are born, embodying soul and depth.


We don’t make a great wine, we simply provide it with the means to reveal itself

Caroline Frey, who has been entrusted with these precious stone slopes for nearly two decades, explains.

CAROLINE FREY
OWNER-WINEMAKER