E. Guigal Crozes Hermitage Blanc 2022

Winery Background and History

Maison E. Guigal, founded in 1946 in Ampuis by Étienne Guigal, is a landmark producer in the Northern Rhône Valley of France. Over decades under Étienne, Marcel, and now Philippe Guigal, the winery has built a reputation for both elite single-vineyard crus (Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu) and high-quality appellation wines. The Crozes-Hermitage Blanc is part of their white wine portfolio, less voluminous than their reds but notable for freshness, elegance, and value, offering insight into Guigal’s style outside their most famous vineyards.

Producer and Wine Maker

This wine is made by Philippe Guigal and his winemaking team. They select grapes grown in Guigal’s vineyard parcels in the Crozes-Hermitage area, harvest at optimal maturity, and use modern cellar techniques to preserve aromatic purity. The producer typically balances oxidative and reductive practices, controls fermentation temperatures, and uses partial barrel aging, ensuring the wine gains texture without losing its freshness and varietal character.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Grapes are sourced from vineyards in the northern part of Crozes-Hermitage, including villages like Gervans, Mercurol, Larnage, and Crozes-Hermitage itself. Soil types include calcareous clay-loam and sandy gravels. The climate is continental Mediterranean: warm, sunny days and cool nights. The 2022 vintage saw balanced weather that allowed ripeness while maintaining acidity due to nights. Vine age tends to be mature, yields moderate.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Fermentation is done under temperature control, part in stainless steel to capture freshness, and part in oak barrels to give texture and complexity. The wine is aged approximately 12 months with a portion in wood. The blend is about 95% Marsanne and 5% Roussanne. The oak influence is modest, intended to support roundness rather than dominate fruit expression.

Tasting notes

Golden yellow color. Aromas of hawthorn blossom, acacia flowers, green apple, citrus zest, and honeyed mineral undertones. On the palate it offers richness and roundness, flesh from Marsanne supported by delicate Roussanne accents, creamy texture, zesty citrus edge, crisp acid lift, slight oak spice, and a long, elegant finish that remains fresh and clean.

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs well with richer white meats (roasted chicken, turkey), creamy seafood dishes (scallops, lobster with butter sauces), mild cheeses, and poultry in cream or herb sauces. Also excellent with lighter curries, asparagus, or vegetable gratins. It stands up to creamy textures thanks to its balance of acid and richness.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve chilled around 10-13 °C. Use a white wine glass with enough bowl to appreciate aromatics. Decanting is not required. Open bottle slightly before serving to let aromas evolve; between pours the wine stays alive so use a stopper and enjoy over 1-2 days if not finished.

Storage and Aging Potential

Can be enjoyed now through about 2026. With proper storage (cool, ~12-14 °C; stable; bottle lying down; away from light), it can hold into 2027-2028, developing deeper mineral notes, honeyed richness, and refined texture while maintaining fresh spine.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

95 % Marsanne, 5 % Roussanne

ABV

13.5 %

Scores

James Suckling 90-92