Located at Mercurol in the Northern Rhône Valley, the Michelas St Jemms family estate produces AOC Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph and Cornas. The Crozes-Hermitage vineyard is divided into three terroirs. The most southern part are located in Beaumont-Monteux and in Pont-de-l’Isère. Thanks to clay-limestone soil and large pebbles left by the Rhône, Syrah grape, emblematic varietal of Northern Rhone Valley, will develop here liquorice and spice aromas. The Mercurol plots, located close the les Chassis hamlet, are composed of deeper chalky-clay soil with big pebbles. The aromatic expression of syrah is here on expressive black and red fruits.
Over the last decade, many decisions have led the winery to organic farming through a special focus on Biodiversity. In 2014, the winery was awarded the HVE accreditation, an High Environmental Value which highlights their commitment in Biodiversity. In 2017, they set up biodiversity plots, cover crops and hedges all around the vineyard. They plant plenty of species of trees and shrubs as well as birdhouses and shelters for bats and insects in order to recreate a natural balance. With Ecocert accreditation in 2019 and organic certification from the 2022 vintage. Some Biodynamic methods are also used in order to pursue in this way.
The Signature Crozes Hermitage expresses the very archetype markers of the wines of the appellation. It has a fruity nose of red fruits with a little coffee bean and clove. The palate shows cassis and plum fruit with gentle tannins and a touch of vanilla. There is a little blueberry and dark chocolate on the finish.