Hermitage French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Hermitage is the legendary hill of the northern Rhône, producing some of France's most majestic and long-lived Syrah reds and rich, ageworthy Marsanne and Roussanne whites.
More info about Hermitage
Geographic position
Southeastern France, in the Drôme department on the left bank of the Rhône, on a single south-facing granite hill above the town of Tain-l'Hermitage, opposite Tournon and about 20 km north of Valence.
Origin & history
Legend says the knight Gaspard de Stérimberg, returning from the Crusades in 1224, built a hermitage chapel on the hill and planted vines, giving the wine its name. In the 18th and 19th centuries Hermitage was among the most expensive wines in the world, sometimes blended into great Bordeaux. It became an AOC in 1937.
Wines & grape varieties
Reds from Syrah, with up to 15% Marsanne and Roussanne allowed; whites from Marsanne and Roussanne; rare sweet Vin de Paille. Expect blackberry, smoke, leather and violet in reds, honey and apricot in whites.
Climate & soil
Continental climate with Mediterranean influence. Granite in the west, with loess, limestone and alluvial pebbles elsewhere.