Marc SorrelProducer from Rhone, France

Domaine Marc Sorrel: A Bastion of Tradition in the Northern Rhône

Nestled in the heart of Hermitage, Domaine Marc Sorrel stands as a beacon of traditional winemaking in the Northern Rhône Valley. This small but prestigious estate has cultivated a devoted following, producing wines that embody the region’s history, terroir, and age-old methods. Though modest in size, Domaine Marc Sorrel commands respect for its commitment to pure, expressive Syrah and Marsanne wines, a philosophy passed down through generations of the Sorrel family.

The Sorrel Legacy

The Sorrel family's connection to the vineyards of Hermitage dates back to the late 19th century, but it was Félix Sorrel who laid the foundation for the domaine in 1928. Initially, the estate focused on growing grapes for négociants, as was common in the Rhône at the time. It wasn’t until Henri Sorrel, Félix’s son, took over in 1979 that the domaine began bottling its own wines, bringing a new level of distinction to the name.

Marc Sorrel, Henri’s son, took over in 1982 following his father’s passing. His vision was simple yet profound: to preserve the traditions of Hermitage while allowing the terroir to express itself with minimal intervention. Over the years, he expanded the estate’s holdings to around four hectares, with key plots in some of Hermitage’s most esteemed lieux-dits, including Les Bessards, Les Greffieux, Les Plantiers, Les Rocoules, and Le Méal.

Vineyards and Winemaking Philosophy

Domaine Marc Sorrel’s vineyards sit on the steep, granite-laden slopes of Hermitage, benefiting from exceptional exposure and the Rhône Valley’s distinct microclimate. The estate follows a low-intervention approach, avoiding herbicides and encouraging natural vineyard management.

In the cellar, Sorrel remains fiercely traditional. Whole-cluster fermentation, a hallmark of classic Rhône winemaking, is employed to enhance structure and complexity. Aging takes place in used oak barrels, allowing the wines to evolve gracefully without excessive wood influence. The wines typically spend 24 months in oak, a long but necessary élevage to refine their power and finesse.

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The Wines:

Domaine Marc Sorrel is best known for its tiny but outstanding range of Hermitage wines.

Hermitage Rouge Le Gréal – A blend of 90% Syrah and 10% Marsanne, this wine is sourced from Le Méal and Les Greffieux, some of Hermitage’s finest terroirs. It is deep, structured, and intensely aromatic, with notes of violet, blackberry, and crushed stone.

Hermitage Blanc Les Rocoules – Composed of 95% Marsanne and 5% Roussanne, this is one of the great white Hermitages, known for its rich texture, honeyed stone fruit, and long, mineral-driven finish.

Hermitage – A classic expression of Syrah from the heart of Hermitage, this wine is sourced from top parcels including Les Bessards and Le Méal. It is a deeply structured, age-worthy wine, showcasing notes of blackberry, violets, graphite, and black pepper, with finely integrated tannins and remarkable length.

Hermitage Blanc – Made primarily from Marsanne, this wine is a rich, textured expression of white Hermitage. With aromas of ripe peach, acacia honey, and roasted almonds, it combines weight and freshness, evolving beautifully in bottle over time.

Crozes-Hermitage Rouge – A more approachable expression of Syrah, showcasing bright fruit, peppery spice, and a supple elegance.

The Future Under Guillaume Sorrel

In recent years, Marc’s son, Guillaume Sorrel, has taken on a greater role at the estate, ensuring that the family’s legacy continues. Guillaume, trained in both Burgundy and the Rhône, brings a refined touch while remaining faithful to the domaine’s identity.

With its limited production and uncompromising quality, Domaine Marc Sorrel remains one of the most sought-after producers in Hermitage, a true guardian of the region’s winemaking heritage.