Crozes-Hermitage wine region

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An overview of the individual appellations of the Rhône - Crozes-Hermitage wine-growing region is located in the north in the zone designated "Zooms B".
  • Crozes Hermitage

    • Crozes-Hermitage is the largest wine-growing region in the northern part of the French Rhône valley. The area of ​​the appellation covers eleven municipalities of the Drôme department in the vicinity of the famous Hermitage vineyard on the left bank of the Rhone . The center is formed by the municipality of the same name and the city of Tain l'Hermitage . In 2005, 62,871 hectoliters of wine were produced on 1,443 hectares of cultivation area, of which around 92% was red wine.

    Soil and climate

    In the northern part of the area, the geological continuation of the Hermitage hill, the subsoil of the vineyards consists of granite , which has weathered to fine clay. In order to secure the thin soil layers from sliding off, masonry terraces were created there. The larger, southern part of the appellation is formed by deposits of gravel and rubble that were created during the Ice Age, mixed with red clay. Their highest points are covered with loess , they are particularly suitable for white wine.

    In the northern Rhône valley, the continental and Mediterranean climates mix. The latter ensures good sun exposure and high average temperatures in the valleys, especially south of Tain l'Hermitage. The cool and dry north wind prevails, warm south winds are rare and usually bring rain. The amount of precipitation is between 700 and 800 mm per year. Summers are warm and dry. Insufficient rainfall in summer on the gravel terrace in the south is a problem.

    Locations and wines

    The vast majority of production is red wine , for which Syrah is the only grape variety approved. An addition of up to 15% white wine is allowed. The basic yield is 45 hl / ha. Due to the different soils, the growing area is anything but homogeneous. The north of the area produces red wines with a stronger structure and longer shelf life. On the terrace of the chassis in the south of the area, more fruity wines are produced, which develop faster in the cellar. The low average age of the vines there also plays a role. The oak is expandable in Crozes-Hermitage the exception.

    In white wine about 8% eliminates production. The Marsanne and Roussanne grape varieties are permitted , with the former dominating due to their more reliable yield. The Mercurol sector produces the best white wines . There are two styles in white winemaking. The traditional vinification with malolactic fermentation produces full-bodied, spicy and storable wines with nutty and floral notes. The more modern style places more emphasis on freshness and fruitiness, here citrus aromas dominate.

    There are over 40 independent winemakers and two cooperatives (Cave de Tain, Cave des Clairmonts). In addition, the large trading houses in the Rhône Valley play an important role.

    history

    On March 3, 1937, the appellation Crozes-Hermitage was created for the locations north of the Hermitage by decree . On July 1, 1952, it was expanded to include eleven municipalities in the canton of Tain l'Hermitage . This upgrading led to an expansion of the vineyards, especially on the chassis terrace , where fruit growing used to be dominant. The area under cultivation has increased from 1,029 ha at the beginning of the 1990s to 1,443 ha in 2005.

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