The producer
Domaine Marc Sorrel, with its 2.55 hectares of superbly sited parcels on the legendary Hermitage hillside in the Northern Rhône, has a rich history dating back to 1893. Marc Sorrel, who has been at the helm since 1982, has recently handed over the reins to his son Guillaume, who completed his first solo vintage in 2019. Guillaume has risen to the challenge of working the vineyards in a warming climate, crafting profound, structured, and powerful Syrahs using 100% whole bunch fruit and minimal new oak. The estate's flagship wine, Le Gréal, comes from 100-year-old Syrah vines, farmed organically, primarily from Le Méal (90%) and Les Gréffieux (10%). Guillaume's whites, made from 100% old-vine Marsanne, are rich and waxy, maintaining the estate's tradition of excellence.
The wine
Domaine Marc Sorrel's Le Gréal is a distinguished Hermitage wine from France's Rhône Valley, crafted from Syrah grapes with a small addition of white varieties like Marsanne or Roussanne. The fruit is sourced from two esteemed lieux-dits: Le Méal and Les Greffieux, known for their old vines and low yields, contributing to the wine's depth and complexity. Traditional winemaking techniques are employed, including fermentation in open vats and aging in oak barrels, allowing the wine to develop rich flavors and a robust structure. Le Gréal is celebrated for its intense aromas of dark fruits, spices, and earthy undertones, with a full-bodied palate and firm tannins that offer excellent aging potential. This wine exemplifies the elegance and power characteristic of top-tier Hermitage wines.
