Gently aromatic on the nose with a stony, flinty quality on the palate along with hints of ripe nectarine, beautifully balanced and satisfying with a refreshing pithy finish. Bouncy and modern but very much of its place.

The vineyard benefits from the exposure of Costières de Nîmes southern hillsides cascading down towards the Mediterranean, a location which provides optimal sunshine but benefits from freshening sea breezes. This cool marine wind drops summer temperatures from 35°C to 30°C favouring even ripening and water retention in the pebbly soil. This wine is produced from low-yielding 20 year old vines yielding 50hl/ha. Grapes are picked early to preserve fruit aromas. The winery is a member of Terra Vitis, a group dedicated to safeguarding the environment and using natural treatments wherever possible and is now moving to full organic certification. Grapes are destemmed before being gently pressed. The must is cooled to 6ºC to facilitate natural clarification then fermented at 16º & kept on the fine lees for 3 months to develop and accentuate the flavours.

Château l'Ermitage was founded in the 11th Century by the hermits of Sainte Cécile d'Estagel Abbay. It is situated on the pilgrimage route of Santiago de Compostella. The estate's total surface covers 80 hectares of sunny south facing vineyards, which benefit from the airy Mediterranean climate. We have a close relationship with owner Jérôme Castillon and he has been instrumental in some of our own wines; Savoir-Faire Mourvèdre is produced from his fruit, but produced by our winemakers in his cellar. Jérôme restricts the use of oak influence as much as possible and new oak is not used.

A lovely aperitif but also matches well with asparagus grilled fish and chicken in a creamy sauce.