Hermitage

Hermitage is the most famous of all the northern Rhône appellations. The hill of Hermitage is situated above the town of Tain and overlooking the town of Tournon which is just across the river.  Hermitage has 120 hectares and produces tiny quantities of very long-lived reds.

Vines grown in Roman times although local folklore claims vines were grown nearly 600 years earlier. The name Hermitage appeared in the 16th Century derived from a legend from the 13th Century Crusade involving a wounded knight called Gaspard de Sterimberg who made refuge on the hill, planted vines and became a hermit.

During the 17^th century Hermitage was recognised as one of the finest in Europe. In 1775 Ch. Lafite was blended with Hermitage and was one of the greatest wines of its day. In the late 19th century Phylloxera wiped out all the vineyards.

The wines are powerful, they have a deep colour, firm tannins and develop into some of the finest wines found in France and can potentially age for many decades. The best Hermitage is produced from several climats or more, blended together. The main climates are Les Bessards, Le Meal, L’Hermite. Les Greffieux and Les Diognieres.  Most of the finest climates face broadly south, giving maximum sunshine. Most growers only have one or two climats and they might not complement each other. Hermitage quality can therefore vary hugely. Only the top producers have extensive diversified holdings.

80% of the wine produced is red, however up to 15% of white grapes can be used in the blend. Most growers use 100% Syrah and use the white grapes to make white wines only. Chapoutier, Jaboulet and Tain l’Hermitage Co-operative are the main proprietors of vineyard in the appellation.

The white wines are made from the Marsanne and Roussanne. Great white Hermitage has the ability to age, it takes on the fruit characters of apricots and peaches and often gives a very nutty finish. The best can last 50 years in great vintages.

Mature red Hermitage can be confused with old Bordeaux. In a blind tasting of 1961 1st Growth Clarets, the famous 1961 Hermitage La Chapelle was included. Most people, including its owner, Gerard Jaboulet, mistook it for Ch. Margaux.

• Recommended Producers: Chave, Jaboulet, Chapoutier, Ferraton, Colombier
• Best Vintages: 2006,2005,2004, 2001, 1999,  1997, 1991, 1990, 1985