Tasting notes:
Chateau l’Ermite d’Auzan Cuvee Sainte-Cecile Blanc. Aromas of wet stones, fresh almonds and a floral, orange blossom quality. The Viognier and Grenache Blanc add a subtle richness of peach and ripe nectarine flavours to balance the fresh grapefruit. And citrus characters from the Roussanne, with a touch of mineral complexity and subtle oak weight. This is quite substantial whilst remaining elegant and restrained. A classy example of modern winemaking and a reflection of its origins
Food Match:
A lovely aperitif but also matches well with asparagus, grilled fish and chicken in a creamy sauce.
Producer/Region:
The original estate was founded in the 11th Century by the hermits of Sainte Cécile d’Estagel Abbaye. And it made wine for pilgrims en route to Santiago de Compostella. The estate encompasses 80 hectares of sunny, south-facing vineyards planted on sandstone soils and benefitting from Mediterranean breezes that cool the vines in the summer.
Boutinot have had a close relationship with characterful owner Jérôme Castillon, the 9th generation of the family to run the business. And for the last few years, he has been joined by his son Tanguy, the 10th generation. He spent 3 years working in different vineyards across North America, South Africa and even spent time at Henners, Boutinot’s own estate in Sussex to gain experience of making sparkling wines. In particular Tanguy has been instrumental in bringing biodynamic practises to the estate and is particularly passionate about Phytotherapy, using the medicinal properties of certain plants and herbs to improve the health of the vines.
[The estate’s name changed from Château l’Ermitage to Château L’Ermite d’Auzan in 2020]
A Note About Sustainability:
l’Ermite d’Auzan takes their commitment to the environment very seriously. They have been farming their 80 hectares using organic principles for some time gaining their certification in 2020 which they have followed with recognition from Demeter for their dedication to Biodynamics and permaculture.
For more information about the producer:https://www.lermitedauzan.com/en/
