This is one of the iconic wines of the Rhône valley. It is named after the Chapel which is situated at the top of the Hermitage hill. This wine is very complex with layers of black fruit flavours, spice and leather. It can age for many years.
Deeply coloured with an elegant and aromatic bouquet, full of red fruits blended with spices. The palate is well structured on rounded tannins, with a final spicy note.
The Secret de Famille is produced from grapes grown by growers in the Southern Rhone, many of whom Jaboulet has had a good relationship for some time. The 25 year old vines used for this wine are grown on shingle and pebbly soils, interspersed with clay and limestone. Some of the grapes were taken from these vineyards in the Cotes du Rhone, but Jaboulet also identified key parcels in Cotes du Rhone Villages: Cairanne, Vinsobres, Seguret, Domazan, Estezargues, Plan de Dieu and Tulette specifically. These vineyards with poor and draining soils, offer naturally low yields (about 40 hectilitres per hectare) and produce very healthy, ripe grapes.
The must was fermented slowly in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to extract colour and the right amount of ripe tannins, without becoming too alcoholic. The wine also benefited from ageing in 80 hectilitre oak casks for 12 months. The wine remained in bottle for a further six months before release.