2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
The Hermitage / Hermitage, Ermitage / are called high-quality French wines produced from bunches of vines growing on the slopes of the Rhone Valley. They grow at about 160 meters above sea level. The soils under them are alluvial, and there are those with impurities of granite, limestone, clay, sand, quartz. Petite Syrah and Grosse Syrah are used to produce red wines. Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette and others are used in the making of white wines.
The various shapes of the terrain contribute to the even distribution of moisture and, accordingly, to its more successful absorption by the plants. On the other hand, the heat and direct sunlight contribute to the full ripening of the bunches. They become large, juicy and heavy, and some of their places acquire a balanced and pleasant taste. Harvesting is done differently, as each producer follows his own special technique.
As for the removal of the handles, the growers are not unanimous. Some prefer to remove them completely, while others leave a small part of them. Once the crop has been harvested, winemakers must decide whether to leave the bunches whole or plow the grapes. It is also a matter of choice in which vessel the fermentation of the material will take place. Some prefer large oak dishes, while others prefer stainless steel dishes. Once the wine is prepared, it is left to age.
The practice of maturing the red drink in new French oak barrels is not particularly preferred. But, of course, there are producers who prefer their wine to mature in such containers. The wine usually matures in the vessel for about 18 months. The white one The Hermitage often left to mature in stainless steel barrels and vats. They are left to mature for a shorter period compared to red wines.
Characteristics of the Hermitage
Wines that are classified as The Hermitage, are rich, dense, with a satisfactory tannin content. They have captivating aromas that are reminiscent of small fruits such as blackberries, raspberries, cherries and more. There are very light notes associated with the aroma of soil and smoke. Some producers decide to add aromatic spices such as cinnamon, which further enrich the qualities of the wine and shape its profile. These wines are subject to aging and according to experts it is good to consume only after some time.
While the grape elixir is young, it is coarser and harder. The feeling it leaves in the consumer is not so warm and pleasant. Over time, however The Hermitage it softens and somehow magically transforms into an elegant, fine, rich drink with a balanced and harmonious taste. Even after the first sip, you can feel the bright, majestic and aristocratic nature of the wine drink. That is why winemakers do not bother to let their products mature for even 20, 30 or more years. In fact The Hermitage are among the French wines subjected to the longest aging.
Serving at the Hermitage
The Hermitage, whether white or red, requires to be cooled before serving. The temperature you need to stick to depends mostly on the type of wine. If you have white wine, let its temperature be around ten degrees. If the wine is red, but thick and heavy, it is best to have a temperature between 16 and 18 degrees. If your Red Hermitage is lighter, its temperature should be lower, so it may be around 12-14 degrees.
Both varieties of The Hermitage they should be served in a suitable glass to fully emphasize their qualities. A classic red wine glass or a universal white wine glass would do a great job. In both cases we have cups with a slender chair made of thin glass. They fully reveal the attractive color of the wine and its magnetism.
There is a wide variety of foods that can be combined with this type of wine. If the wine you have is red, gourmets advise to combine it with meat delicacies from beef, beef, lamb or pork. The wine would harmonize successfully with Veal Steak with onion rings and Teriyaki sauce, Stuffed tomatoes with minced beef, Beef goulash, Lamb skewers with pomegranate glaze, Steaks with butter sauce with mustard and lemons and more.
If you prefer light meats, it is a good idea to combine this aristocratic wine with a light dish of poultry, which also caresses the palate. Among our offers in this category are: Turkey with blueberry sauce and sweet potatoes, Turkey [roulades], Chicken with almond sauce, Duck with sweet and sour sauce, and Grilled duck fillet. The red variety of wine can also be combined with countless hard and soft cheeses.
As for the white variety of wine, it can be combined with fish dishes. For example, with white fish with fine sauce, mackerel skewers with bacon, hake fillet in the oven and more. Seafood delicacies with crabs, lobsters, mussels, squid, shrimp, etc. are also preferable. Mexican and Asian dishes are also among the appetizing additions to white The Hermitage.