E. Guigal : Ex Voto 2019

Tasting characteristics and recommendations for the 2019 Ex Voto from E. Guigal

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a dark, almost black hue, characteristic of a concentrated Syrah from a great vintage.

Nose

Complex and powerful, the nose reveals intense aromas of black fruits, alongside notes of leather and licorice. Fragrances of oriental spices mingle with woody, toasted nuances from the extended aging.

Palate

The palate stands out for its massive structure and remarkable concentration. The tannins, powerful yet elegant, support a dense, deep core that reflects the exceptional character of the vintage.

Food and wine pairings

This outstanding wine pairs perfectly with fine red meats such as roast leg of lamb or wild boar stew. It also matches well with richly sauced dishes and aged hard cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

The 2019 Ex Voto has tremendous aging potential and will evolve beautifully over several decades. Decanting for at least one hour is recommended to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity.

A powerful red Ermitage from an exceptional sun-filled vintage

The estate

Founded in 1946 in Ampuis by Étienne Guigal, the E. Guigal house has established itself as an essential benchmark of the northern Rhône Valley. Now run by Philippe Guigal, representing the third family generation, the estate remains independent and family-owned. Internationally recognized for its prestigious cuvées and its expertise in aging in oak barrels, E. Guigal farms seventy-five hectares of vines across the region’s finest terroirs.

The vineyard

Ex Voto comes from a blend of the most prestigious parcels in the Ermitage appellation: les Bessards, les Greffieux, les Murets and l'Hermite. These exceptional parcels, set on steep hillsides overlooking the Rhône, benefit from optimal exposure and complex soils made up of granite, loess, sand and clay. The vines, several decades old, send their roots deep into these outstanding terroirs, allowing a mineral, concentrated expression of the fruit.

The vintage

The 2019 vintage was marked by exceptional weather conditions, with generous sunshine throughout the growing cycle. This sun-filled year encouraged optimal ripening, producing wines of remarkable power and concentration, with an impressive tannic structure and outstanding aging potential.

Winemaking and aging

The 2019 Ex Voto is produced exclusively from Syrah, hand-harvested from selected parcels. After vinification, the wine is aged for forty months in entirely new oak barrels, an exceptionally long period that allows the wine to develop aromatic complexity while harmoniously integrating the oak tannins with those of the grape.

Grape variety

100% Syrah