E. Guigal : Ex Voto 2018

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Ex Voto 2018 from E. Guigal

Tasting

Color

The wine displays a deep, intense hue, reflecting the vintage’s exceptional concentration.

Nose

The bouquet opens with powerful aromas of ripe blackberries, blackcurrant, and spices, lifted by notes of game, smoke, and grilled bacon. Hints of brown sugar add depth to fragrances of cherries and raspberries. With aeration, nuances of Moroccan spices and incense bring an exotic, sophisticated dimension.

Palate

On the palate, this wine shows both concentration and elegance, with an impressive tannic structure. The palate reveals massive amounts of fruit that coat the mouth generously, delivering flavors of spicy sour cherries, blackberries, licorice, and fruitcake. Minerality adds another layer, while notes of coffee, espresso, and black pepper create further complexity. Juicy acidity provides balance and freshness. The remarkably persistent finish lingers well beyond sixty seconds with notes of dark berries, floral spices, and smoke.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs beautifully with red and white meats prepared in a variety of ways: veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roasted poultry, braised dishes, or grilled preparations. It also complements Asian cuisine, meaty fish such as tuna, mushrooms, sausages, cassoulet, as well as dishes based on tomatoes, eggplant, and pasta.

Serving and cellaring

It is recommended to serve the Ex Voto 2018 at a temperature of 15.5°C. When young, this wine benefits from decanting for three to four hours to allow the aromas to open and the tannins to soften. This wine can be enjoyed from around 2030 and will continue to evolve until around 2060.

The refinement of a great Ermitage wine, the fulfillment of a visionary dream

The estate

Founded in 1946 by Étienne Guigal, the House of E. Guigal has established itself as one of the most influential producers in the Rhône Valley. Based in Ampuis, at the heart of the Côte-Rôtie appellation, the family business is now led by Philippe Guigal, representing the third generation alongside his father Marcel. The estate owns around 150 acres of vineyards, exclusively concentrated on the most prestigious terroirs of the Northern Rhône. E. Guigal stands out for its distinctive approach combining chemical-free viticulture, extended aging in barrels, and rigorous parcel selection. Notably, the House is the only estate in the Rhône Valley to have its own cooperage, producing around eight hundred handcrafted barrels per year since 2003.

The vineyard

The Ermitage Ex Voto comes from four exceptional parcels: Bessards (30%), Greffieux (30%), L'Hermite (20%), and Murets (20%). These vines, 50 to 90 years old, are planted on steep slopes with diverse soils ranging from clay to granite, along with alluvial compositions, all resting on the famous granitic base characteristic of this site. This mosaic of terroirs gives the wine remarkable complexity and depth, fully expressing the unique character of this legendary appellation.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage in the Northern Rhône ranks among the greatest in recent history. After a very wet spring that delayed the vegetative cycle, the summer proved exceptionally hot and dry, making it the warmest vintage since 2003. This combination of spring moisture and intense summer heat enabled even ripening with an exceptional accumulation of sugars. Harvest began in late August and concluded in mid-September under ideal conditions. The 2018 red wines show remarkable concentration and intensity, with deep colors and rich tannic structures promising excellent aging potential.

Winemaking and aging

The Ex Voto 2018 is crafted according to the traditional methods of the Rhône Valley, with meticulous attention at every stage. Fermentation is carried out with native yeasts, without fining agents or filtration. The wine undergoes extended aging in barrels, allowing harmonious integration of the tannins and the development of exceptional aromatic complexity.

Grape variety

100% Syrah