Tardieu Laurent : Hermitage 2021

Characteristics and tasting advice for the 2021 Hermitage Blanc by Tardieu Laurent

Tasting

Appearance

The wine shows a pale gold hue with crystalline highlights.

Nose

The nose reveals a complex, refined bouquet. Aromas of white flowers mingle with notes of white-fleshed fruits, notably peach and yellow plum. Hints of honey and toasted almond add a luscious, elegant dimension to the aromatic profile.

Palate

On the palate, this white wine captivates with its breadth and creamy texture. The generous body coats the palate with lovely richness, while flavors of orchard fruits and apricot unfold harmoniously. A granular minerality gives the whole structure, bringing definition and depth. The saline, lingering finish reflects the noble character of this great white wine from the Rhône Valley.

Food and wine pairings

This 2021 Hermitage Blanc pairs ideally with herb-roasted white meats, notably poultry with cream and mushrooms. It also matches perfectly with grilled oily fish such as salmon, roasted root vegetables, or even spicy preparations inspired by world cuisines. Its richness also allows it to accompany aged cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

It is recommended to serve this 2021 Hermitage Blanc at a temperature between 10 and 12°C to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and structure.

An elegant, mineral Hermitage Blanc from the Rhône Valley

The estate

Founded in 1994 by Michel Tardieu and Dominique Laurent, the Maison Tardieu Laurent established itself in Lourmarin in 1996. Now run by Michel Tardieu and his son Bastien, a Montpellier-trained oenologist, this négociant-éleveur house stands out for its unique approach in the Rhône Valley. A pioneer in adopting biodynamic and organic practices, Tardieu Laurent works closely with more than seventy winegrowers throughout the region. The House’s philosophy is based on the rigorous selection of old vines from the finest terroirs and on careful aging in its Lourmarin cellars, favoring elegance and the faithful expression of the appellations.

The vineyard

This Hermitage Blanc comes from three parcels located on the famous hill of Hermitage, in the lieux-dits Pierrelles, Beaume, Murets and La Croix. The Marsanne vines have an average age of over fifty years, while the Roussanne vines are over forty years old. These old vines take root in varied soils composed of granite, limestone, sand and clay, on steep slopes with an ideal southern exposure. This mosaic of terroirs gives the wine its hallmark mineral complexity and exceptional aging potential.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage in the Rhône Valley stands in clear contrast to the previous sunny years. After a cool spring marked by frosts and episodes of shatter, the summer proved more moderate than in prior years. Timely rains in early September allowed the vines to complete ripening under optimal conditions. This vintage produced wines of remarkable aromatic freshness, with refined balance and pronounced minerality, while retaining fine concentration.

Vinification and aging

After pressing, the musts of this 2021 Hermitage Blanc fermented and then aged for twelve months in French oak barrels from the Allier and Tronçais forests, combining new and one-wine barrels. The wine then underwent an additional twelve months of aging in large wooden foudres. This two-stage aging process helps develop aromatic complexity while preserving freshness and the expression of the terroir. Bottling was carried out without fining and with minimal filtration.

Grape varieties

Marsanne (80%)
Roussanne (20%)