CROZES-HERMITAGE 

The Crozes-Hermitage vineyard has its roots in antiquity. Long before international renown came to crown these hills of the northern Rhône, the Allobroges cultivated the first vines here. Developed by the Romans, then by monks, the vineyard subsequently faced various events that slowed its growth: the phylloxera crisis, the First World War and the wine crisis. The creation of the Syndicat des viticulteurs du canton de Tain-l'Hermitage (Tain-l'Hermitage Winegrowers' Union) in 1927 and the Cave coopérative de Tain-l'Hermitage (Tain-l'Hermitage Cooperative Winery) in 1933 gave new impetus to the development of the vineyard.

The Crozes Hermitage AOC was officially recognised in 1937, sealing this centuries-old heritage within a regulated framework. However, the initial decree only concerned the eponymous village. In 1952, the appellation area was extended to include 10 other municipalities: Serves-sur-Rhône, Érome, Larnage, Gervans, Mercurol, Tain-l'Hermitage, La Roche-de-Glun, Beaumont-Monteux, Chanos-Curson and Pont-de-l'Isère.

Located on the left bank of the Rhône, the Crozes-Hermitage AOC production area straddles the 45th parallel. Now extending over 11 communes, the vineyard covers an area of approximately 2,000 hectares, making it the largest in the Northern Rhône Valley. This vast expanse provides ample space for the region's grape varieties to flourish on a beautiful mosaic of soils.

A terroir with varied soils

The Crozes Hermitage appellation is distinguished by its great geological richness: thick layers of rounded pebbles from the Ice Age combined with red clay to the south and east of Tain-l'Hermitage. The hillsides are more pronounced towards the north-west. The stony terrace is covered with white kaolinic sand or loess in the communes of Crozes-Hermitage and Larnage. The granite soils are covered with loess in the communes of Serves-sur-Rhône, Gervans and Erôme. This mosaic of terroirs allows the appellation to offer a wide range of expressions.

A committed vineyard

Thanks to a naturally balanced ecosystem (purification by the mistral wind, very stony, well-drained soils, rich biodiversity, etc.) and committed winegrowers, the Crozes Hermitage vineyard is one of the pioneers of sustainable viticulture in France. Even before the official recognition of the major labels, some vines were already being cultivated according to the principles of organic farming. Today, more than two-thirds of the vineyards are certified organic. Many winegrowers are also choosing to practise biodynamic viticulture. Far from being a mere trend, this commitment reflects a desire to ensure the appellation's longevity and express the authenticity of the terroir.

Crozes-Hermitage is based on a simple but powerful identity: a single red grape variety and two complementary white grape varieties.

Syrah, enhanced by red Crozes Hermitage

Expressive, Syrah imparts fruity aromas (red and black fruits) with a hint of violet to wines. In addition to its intense colour, it is characterised by its prominent, elegant tannins. Under the mild, temperate climate of the Crozes-Hermitage terroir, Syrah flourishes and expresses itself with vigour, producing wines that combine richness, robustness and captivating aromas.

Roussanne and Marsanne, complementary in white Crozes Hermitage

Less well known, Crozes Hermitage white wines are just as interesting as the reds. Marsanne brings generosity and richness, with notes of flowers and hazelnuts. Roussanne introduces a touch of elegance, finesse and complexity, with floral aromas of iris and honeysuckle, and notes of dried fruit and honey.

The Crozes Hermitage AOC comes in many forms, and that is what makes it so interesting. The red wines, which make up the majority, are appealing for their tenderness and richness, developing pleasant floral aromas. Depending on the winemaker's approach, these Syrah wines can reveal a robust yet charming structure. In the northern part of the appellation, Crozes Hermitage red is generally more structured and angular.

Much rarer, white wines offer aromatic freshness and roundness. They provide an appealing alternative in a region dominated by reds. Charming with its floral bouquet, Crozes Hermitage white is sought after for its freshness and beautiful volume on the palate.

Both originating in the northern Rhône Valley, Hermitage and Crozes Hermitage have very different characteristics and styles. Hermitage refers primarily to a prestigious appellation in the northern Rhône Valley, located on the Hermitage hill above Tain-l'Hermitage on the left bank of the Rhône. Limited to around 136 hectares, it produces prestigious, powerful and highly complex wines, designed for ageing and capable of evolving over several decades: it is home to several estates and houses such as M.Chapoutier, Paul Jaboulet Aîné, Maison Delas Frères, Jean-Louis Chave, etc. The Crozes Hermitage AOC, which is larger with around 2,000 hectares in the AOC, offers more accessible wines, generally characterised by their fruitiness and roundness. Two expressions of the same terroir, but with very different ambitions and uses.

With medium ageing potential, red Crozes Hermitage wine is capable of seducing from a young age with its vibrant fruitiness. Charming and aromatic, the wines from the southern part of the appellation are more readily accessible. After three to five years, Crozes Hermitage red wines develop more animal, leather and spice notes. The most structured and robust wines deserve a few more years of ageing to fully express themselves.

As for Crozes Hermitage white wines, they should be enjoyed within the first two years to appreciate their fruitiness. They can also be kept for a few more years to develop more complex notes with hints of dried fruit.

Crozes-Hermitage has many facets, satisfying all wine lovers, from novices to connoisseurs.

When should you enjoy your red or white Crozes Hermitage?

Whether red or white, a recent vintage is recommended if you are looking for a fresh wine with crisp fruitiness. If you prefer red wines with animal notes, choose an older vintage. If you are looking for a cuvée to cellar, opt for the most powerful and robust wines that need more time to reveal their full potential.

For what occasion?

To choose the right wine, decide on the occasion for tasting:

• For everyday meals or an impromptu aperitif: opt for a rich, fruity red wine or a fresh, fruity white wine.
• A festive meal: choose a robust cuvée from the northern slopes of the appellation in a large format such as a magnum or jeroboam.
• A gift: treat your loved ones to an exceptional cuvée at its peak, ready to drink, or a unique vintage to cellar.

Food and wine pairings: what dish should you serve with your Crozes Hermitage?

For a rich taste experience, the wine you choose should pair perfectly with your dishes. To accompany a charcuterie starter, delicate poultry or rabbit, opt for a young Crozes Hermitage red wine. An older wine with animal notes, on the other hand, is recommended to accompany more elaborate dishes based on game or red meat. Lovers of grilled fish will gravitate towards a fresh and elegant white wine from Crozes Hermitage.

Delas, M. Chapoutier, E. Guigal... the leading estates

When choosing a bottle of Crozes Hermitage, certain estates stand out as sure bets, renowned for their expertise passed down from generation to generation. A veritable institution in the Rhône Valley, Maison Delas Frères offers refined and structured Crozes Hermitage wines. A pioneer in biodynamics, M.Chapoutier is renowned for its wines that offer a faithful interpretation of the terroir, the result of very minimal intervention in the winemaking process. Maison E.Guigal stands out for its wines of exemplary consistency and impeccable quality.

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