The Domaine des Tourettes cuvée, named after the Marquise de la Tourette, is crafted from a parcel-based blend of two emblematic lieux-dits on the Hermitage hill: Les Grandes Vignes and Les Bessards. These two terroirs, located at different altitudes, offer a complete vertical reading of the vineyard, from the foot of the slope to its summit. The soils combine granite, mica schist, gneiss, and alluvial stones, while the varying levels of sunlight between the parcels create subtle balances. This diversity of soils, exposures, and elevations allows for a harmonious combination of mineral tension, depth, and texture in a perfectly balanced wine.

To express the quintessence of the terroir, the harvest is done by hand, and each lieu-dit is vinified separately. Once destemmed, the grapes are transferred into stainless steel fermentation tanks. Fermentation and maceration last for three weeks, the first part consisting of gentle extraction through carefully calibrated pump-overs and punch-downs. After draining off, the wine is racked and placed into barrels. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrel, followed by 18 months of ageing. A blend is then made in stainless steel 3 months before bottling, ensuring optimal integration.

The nose is very fragrant, with accents of smoke and notes of gunflint and ink, which, only after a few minutes in the glass, give way to notes of candied black fruit, violet, licorice and a hint of olive and spice. The palate, meanwhile, is marked by intense flavors of cherry, blueberry and fruitcake, sharpened by a spicy touch of pepper. This is a bold, powerful wine with a serious tannic structure structure that frames a long, penetrating finish.

Despite a rather rainy end to 2022, the beginning of 2023 was exceptionally dry in the north until the first half of spring. Conversely, the second half of spring was very rainy, with no mistral from late April onward. Fortunately, there were some beautiful days around flowering, and veraison occurred fairly uniformly. The August heatwave accelerated ripening without causing blockage, thanks to a few episodes of stormy rainfall.

Pair this wine with grilled or roasted red meat, game, truffle-based dishes, and characterful cuisine.