Château L’Ermite d’Auzan Sainte-Cécile Rouge

Château L’Ermite d’Auzan Sainte-Cécile Rouge is an expressive southern Rhône red that balances intensity with finesse, crafted from a carefully selected trio of Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Grenache. The vines are planted on sun-baked, south-facing slopes composed of rounded pebbles from the Durance River, which provide excellent drainage and a distinctive mineral lift to the fruit. Hand-harvested from mature, low-yielding vines, the grapes are gently sorted before undergoing a temperature-controlled fermentation that highlights the natural aromatics of each variety. Following fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels, which softens the tannins, adds subtle spice and toast, and encourages a layered, harmonious mouthfeel. In the glass, it presents a deep garnet hue with aromas of blackcurrant, dark cherry, leather, wild herbs, and a whisper of smoked pepper. On the palate, the wine is rich and structured, delivering concentrated dark fruit flavors balanced by fine-grained tannins, lively acidity, and a nuanced earthy-mineral undertone that carries through a long, polished finish. Versatile yet refined, this Sainte-Cécile Rouge pairs seamlessly with grilled meats, slow-roasted stews, mushroom dishes, or mature cheeses, and it also rewards careful short-term cellaring for added depth and complexity.