Hermitage

Hermitage is one of France's greatest wines. Its vineyard dates back to the 4th century BC. Hermitage wine was served at the tables of kings, notably that of Louis XIII. It is said that the Chevalier de Sterimberg, weary of fighting the Albigensians, repented by devoting himself to prayer and the cultivation of vines around a hermitage at the top of the hill of Tain.Hermitage was awarded local AOC status in 1937.

It covers three communes in the Drôme department: Tain-l'Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, and Larnage on the left bank of the Rhône. The soils of the Hermitage vineyard consist of granite sand covered with mica schist and gneiss, but also areas of round alluvial pebbles (a diversity that explains the presence of specific locations within the appellation: Bessards, Greffieux, Méal, Rocoule, Beaumes, etc.). Sheltered from the north wind, most of the hillsides face south, benefiting from excellent sunshine.

Around 134 hectares of vines are currently in production, with an annual volume of wine of nearly 4,300 hectoliters. Hermitage wines are made from Syrah for the reds, with the authorized addition of 15% Marsanne and Roussanne, and from Roussanne and Marsanne for the whites. The qualities of the appellation are excellently showcased by houses such as M. Chapoutier, Delas frères, E. Guigal, Jean-Louis Chave, Tardieu Laurent, and Ferraton Père et Fils.