E. Guigal : Ex Voto 2017

Tasting characteristics and tips for E. Guigal’s Ermitage “Ex Voto” 2017

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep red hue, almost black, reflecting the exceptional concentration of this wine.

Nose

The bouquet reveals remarkable aromatic complexity, with notes of intense black fruit, complemented by hints of leather and licorice. Aromas of exotic spices and eucalyptus further enrich this sophisticated aromatic profile.

Palate

On the palate, this wine shows remarkable richness and concentration. The tannic structure is powerful yet retains refined elegance, promising outstanding aging potential.

Food and wine pairings

This exceptional wine pairs beautifully with fine red meats, herb-roasted lamb, as well as feathered and furred game. It also matches perfectly with refined dishes such as veal with morels or poultry in sauce.

Serving and cellaring

The Ermitage “Ex Voto” 2017 benefits from decanting for 3 to 4 hours before serving to allow its aromas to fully unfold. The ideal serving temperature is between 16 and 18°C. This wine can be enjoyed through around 2040.

An exceptional Ermitage from the finest terroirs of the Rhône Valley

The estate

Founded in 1946 by Étienne Guigal in Ampuis, the E. Guigal House has established itself as an essential benchmark in the Northern Rhône Valley. Now led by Philippe Guigal, representing the third generation, the family business owns around 60 hectares of vineyards across the most prestigious appellations. In particular, in 2000 the family acquired four outstanding plots on the Hill of Hermitage, giving rise to the Ex Voto cuvée. E. Guigal has also had its own cooperage since 2003, located in the historic cellars of Château d'Ampuis, ensuring absolute control over the quality of the barrels used to age its greatest wines.

The vineyard

The Ermitage “Ex Voto” Rouge comes from four exceptional plots located on the legendary Hill of Hermitage: Bessards, Greffieux, Murets and L'Hermite. These vines, 50 to 90 years old, thrive on diverse soils composed of clay, granite and alluvial deposits. Yields are deliberately limited to 35 hectoliters per hectare to ensure optimal grape concentration. This mosaic of terroirs gives the wine remarkable complexity and depth, characteristic of this prestigious appellation.

The vintage

The year 2017 was marked by contrasting weather conditions in the Rhône Valley. After a mild winter, spring saw a few frost episodes followed by a hot, sunny summer. These conditions promoted optimal ripening of the grapes, resulting in fruit with great aromatic concentration while preserving lovely freshness. The 2017 vintage stands out for its sunny, generous character.

Winemaking and aging

The Ermitage “Ex Voto” Rouge 2017 is vinified using traditional methods, with a four-week maceration to ensure optimal extraction. Fermentation is carried out with native yeasts. The wine then undergoes a particularly long aging period of 42 months in new oak barrels, made in the House’s cooperage. This extended maturation allows perfect integration of tannins and oak, giving the wine its silky texture and remarkable complexity. No filtration or fining is carried out before bottling.

Grape variety

Syrah