Crozes-Hermitage AOC
The largest northern Rhône AOC, known for Syrah-based reds.
Last updated
via Wikipedia: Crozes-Hermitage AOC · see source
Crozes-Hermitage is a French wine Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in the northern Rhône wine region of France. The appellation is the largest in the northern Rhone, and its wines are less highly regarded than those from the nearby appellations of Côte-Rôtie or its near-namesake Hermitage. Most of the wines produced here are red wines made from the Syrah grape, sometimes blended with small quantities of white Roussanne or Marsanne grapes. Some white wines are also made, based on Marsanne and/or Roussanne.
Climate and geography
Crozes-Hermitage has a continental climate, with wet winters and cold mistral winds that can persist into spring. The appellation covers 1,238 hectares, about half of the northern Rhône's total.
Its boundary starts 10 km north of Tain-l'Hermitage, extends around Gervans on south- and south-western granite slopes, then spreads south near Larnage where the land flattens to clay. South of Tain, galets roulés appear. The southernmost part is flat and newly planted.
Grapes and wine
Syrah is the only red grape permitted, with up to 15% Marsanne and Roussanne allowed in red wines. White wines use Marsanne and Roussanne. Notable vineyards include Les Chassis, Les Sept Chemins and Les Meysonniers.
Many reds are light and for early drinking, while others age well. Cave de Tain, a large cooperative, handles half the grapes; Jaboulet takes much of the remainder and owns its own vineyards. Increasingly, varietal 100% Syrah wines are produced.
Did You Know?
- In 1846, a panel of tasters commended Crozes-Hermitage wine for its likeness to Hermitage wines.
- The appellation was officially defined in 1937 and was expanded in 1952.
- Crozes-Hermitage covers 1,238 hectares, about half of the entire northern Rhône region's 2,400 hectares.
- Just south of Tain, galets roulés appear—small surface stones also found extensively in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
More in Rhône Wine AOCs
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Crozes-Hermitage AOC (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced