The 'Prisme' Hermitage Blanc is a 100% Marsanne wine crafted from the prestigious Maison Blanche terroir on the upper slopes of the Hermitage hill. The vines, planted at a high density of 9,000 vines per hectare and trained on stakes (échalas), benefit from the unique loess soils of this area. The wine reflects the complexity and richness of Hermitage, shaped by the diverse soils of the appellation. Grapes are hand-harvested and undergo slow alcoholic fermentation and full malolactic fermentation, following a strict pressing and clarification process.
Aged for 16 months in new 500-liter barrels, the wine achieves a seamless integration of oak, resulting in an alcohol content of 13%. On the nose, it reveals remarkable complexity, while the palate showcases impressive richness and a beautifully balanced oak influence. This wine embodies the elegance and depth associated with the Hermitage appellation, offering a refined expression of Marsanne.
Julien Pilon 'Prisme' Hermitage Blanc 2021
Julien Pilon's journey into winemaking was shaped early on through formative experiences such as picking and bottling wild grapes in school, family meals centered around wine, and summer work in vineyards. His fascination with the energy, innovation, and quality of Rhône Valley winemakers solidified his passion. After earning a BTS in Viticulture and Oenology, Pilon trained under esteemed winemakers like Yves Cuilleron and gained diverse experience at Mas Amiel in Roussillon and Terra Remota in Spain. Returning to the Rhône Valley, he collaborated with Pierre Gaillard, whose wife had inspired Pilon's initial interest in winemaking.
In 2010, Pilon produced his first vintage in his parents' garage, emphasizing wines that reflect their terroir with both finesse and concentration. Challenges in acquiring vineyards led him to establish a négociant business, sourcing grapes from northern Rhône appellations. By 2011, he secured vines with the help of Patrice Porte in Condrieu, enabling him to expand his operation. Over the next decade, Pilon built a dedicated team and, in 2020, inaugurated a new winery in Chavanay, cementing his commitment to crafting wines that honor their land and identity.
Hermitage, located in France's northern Rhône Valley, is one of the region's most esteemed appellations, renowned for its powerful and complex wines. The steep, terraced vineyards on the south-facing slopes of the Hermitage hill are planted in diverse soils, including granite, loess, and alluvial deposits, contributing to the appellation's unique character. Red wines, primarily made from Syrah, are celebrated for their intensity, longevity, and flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earth.
Hermitage is equally famous for its exceptional white wines, crafted from Marsanne and Roussanne. These whites are known for their richness, complexity, and ability to age gracefully, often developing honeyed and nutty notes with time. With a long history of winemaking dating back to ancient times, Hermitage represents the pinnacle of Rhône Valley viticulture, producing both red and white wines that are highly sought after for their elegance and depth.
