Maison Chapoutier is without doubt one of the most prestigious names in the Rhône producing some of the finest Hermitage. The domain converted its 350 hectares of vines to biodynamic viticulture, making it the largest vineyard to adopt this method of cultivation. It has held certification since 1999. The Chapoutier savoir faire has spread to other vineyards in other winemaking regions: Provence, Beaujolais, Roussillon, Champagne, Alsace, Portugal but also Australia. In 1879, Polydor Chapoutier bought a few hectares of vines and started a negociant business. Seven generations have succeeded him, and Michel Chapoutier is currently at the helm. Since 1996, all the labels have been transcribed in braille. Chapoutier is often one of the last to harvest to ensure that grapes reach optimal maturity.

It was in the 18th century that the name of Ermitage appeared in memory of a knight who, when returning from the crusades (13th century) and tired of fighting, lived as a hermit on a hill given by Anne de Castille, Queen of Spain. He planted a vineyard there. The Ermite plot is located at the top of the hill of Hermitage, near the chapel, located on a very poor terroir. Made from their oldest Marsanne vines, this Chapoutier cuvée is aged for at least ten months after long fermentation. Highly mineral on the nose, the wine exudes aromas of almond, hazelnut, linden and notes of brioche. Power, finesse and aromatic complexity characterise this wine which also is slightly bitter yet elegant at the finish.