E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2021

In Short

Medium-bodied Syrah from Crozes-Hermitage with dark berries, black pepper, and a peppery finish that drinks elegantly now or over the next several years.

Quick Facts

• Region: Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône Valley
• Variety: Syrah
• Style: Medium-bodied red
• Best For: Weeknight dinner, casual entertaining

Why We Stock It

E. Guigal's Crozes-Hermitage sits at the intersection of quality and value that defines the best of the northern Rhône. The wine has the mineral precision and black-pepper spine you want from Syrah in this region, without the weight or price of a Hermitage proper. It's the kind of bottle that rewards having several on hand.

Tasting Profile

A classic expression of Crozes-Hermitage with elegant structure and clear varietal character.

• Aroma: Dark berries, black pepper, subtle herbs
• Palate: Plum and licorice with fine tannins and good acidity
• Structure & Finish: Medium body, clean and persistent finish with peppery spice

Winemaking

Guigal ferments the wine in temperature-controlled vats and ages it in neutral oak or concrete to preserve the fruit character and mineral precision typical of the appellation.

Serving & Pairing

Serve at 62 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The wine does not need decanting. Try it with roasted chicken or grilled lamb chops, where its peppery spine cuts through the richness. It also pairs well with a simple pasta with herbed tomato sauce, letting the wine's acidity and dark-fruit core do the work.

The Estate

E. Guigal is one of the Rhône Valley's largest and most respected producers, known for balancing consistency and quality across its range. The house sources grapes from throughout the region and works at every price level without compromising the character of each appellation.

Terroir

Crozes-Hermitage wraps around the steeper, more famous Hermitage appellation on the left bank of the Rhône, just south of Valence. Granite and schist soils dominate the northern sections, while alluvial deposits appear toward the south. The slightly warmer microclimate and gentler terrain than Hermitage proper allow Syrah to ripen fully while retaining acidity and mineral definition.