Hermitage
There are few other Rhône wines that have the same reputation as the wines from the Hermitage appellation. Impressively diverse reds and full-bodied whites are produced here, both of which have fantastic aging potential.
The best wines from Hermitage
There are few other Rhône wines that have the same reputation as the wines from the Hermitage appellation. Impressively diverse reds and full-bodied whites are produced here, both of which have fantastic aging potential.
Where is the Hermitage appellation located?
If you take a boat trip along the Rhône, about 80 kilometres south of the city of Lyon, you will notice a very striking hill covered with vines to the east. Welcome to the Hermitage appellation! This is precisely where the legendary wines, which are in high demand worldwide, come from.
In 1937, the Hermitage hillside, which rises to 330 metres, was given its own appellation – and with it, clearly defined rules on which grape varieties may be grown. The appellation covers just 136 hectares, which are generally divided into four areas and 20 individual vineyards.
What are the soil and climate like on the Hermitage hillside?
Despite its small size, the Hermitage is geologically very diverse. In the highest, western part, the soil consists of granite that has weathered into fine clay. The eastern, larger part of the slope, on the other hand, is formed in the middle by scree made of sand and limestone. At the foot of the slope, there are younger sediments from the Würm glaciation. The highest points are covered with loess again. To prevent the thin soil layers from slipping, limestone walls were built.
In the northern Rhône Valley, continental and Mediterranean climates mix. The latter exerts a stronger influence at Hermitage than further north at Côte-Rôtie. In addition, Hermitage has an extremely favourable microclimate – it faces due south and is protected from cold northerly winds. Precipitation is adequate, but can be very heavy, which is why an elaborate system of drainage has been installed.
Where does the Hermitage get its name from?
In 1224, the crusader Gaspard de Stérimberg is said to have recovered from the war and renounced the world here in the east of France. As a hermit – ‘ermite’ in French – in a small chapel at the top of the hill, which has been called ‘Hermitage’ ever since. Legend has it that the crusader began planting Syrah vines and making wine here, the forerunner of the wines that still make the hearts of lovers of fast-paced wines beat faster today.
As the legend goes, there is actually a medieval chapel at the top of the hill. However, viticulture has existed for much longer, namely since Roman times in the first century AD. The ancient author Pliny the Elder (23 to 79) already raved about the wines here. Over the centuries, numerous kings joined the fan base of the characterful red and white wines.
Which grapes go into a Hermitage wine?
Which brings us to a small peculiarity. Hermitage is the only appellation in the northern Rhône that is allowed to produce both red and white wines. The reds clearly dominate, however. 70 per cent of the Hermitage slopes are planted with Syrah. This grape thrives particularly well on steep slopes.
Marsanne and Roussanne are the only two white grape varieties at Hermitage. However, they are not only used to make the famous white wine. In theory, a tiny part of them may also be added to the legendary red wine. This practice has been common since the Middle Ages. The small amount of white wine ensures that the red colour stabilises and the red wine appears more harmonious overall. Of course, this is no longer necessary today due to modern cellar technology. That is why many winemakers no longer practice it. But it is still allowed.
What makes the Hermitage wines so special?
The wines from Hermitage have an extremely long shelf life, although they are also accessible when young if they are decanted in advance. Thanks to the ideal ripeness of the Syrah grapes, the red wines are able to become real Methusalems. But thanks to the Roussanne grape variety, the white wines are also able to keep up with this aging potential.
This impresses not only wine lovers around the world, but also critics. It is no longer uncommon for a Hermitage wine to receive 100 points. One of these wines was ‘La Chapelle’ from 1961 by Paul Jaboulet Aîné. A wine that is now considered an icon. Other well-known producers include Chapoutier, Chave, Delas, Faurie and Sorrel.
Wine producers
What does a Hermitage wine taste like?
Of course, it depends on which of the four areas or 20 individual vineyards the wines come from. They can present themselves in very different ways in the glass, depending on the orientation of the slope and the different soils. But what all red wines have in common is their deep complexity, full yet elegant body and incredibly intense and harmonious structure. Swirling the wine in the glass releases aromas of ripe dark fruits. These are joined by subtle notes of violet, mocha, liquorice, graphite and smoke. Spicy, meaty flavours reminiscent of smoked bacon, earth, leather and game can also be found in red varieties.
The white wines, meanwhile, impress with their typical nutty notes and hints of peach, quince and blossom honey. Smoky notes can also be found in the wine, which has a full body and a silky texture. When Thomas Jefferson, who later became the 3rd US President, purchased 550 bottles of a white Hermitage in the 18th century, it was already one of France's most expensive wines. The radiance of the white and red varieties remains unbroken to this day. Discover Hermitage wines at Best of Wines!