Hermitage appellation || Rhône Valley || France || Wine Region

 

History

There are many myths about the origins of this appellation; the majority of references suggest that it derives from the word "hermit" (ermite). Hermitage is appellation with 152 hectares (375.6 Acres) spread from Cote Rotie to Chateauneauf-du-Pape.

The potential of this land for viticulture was initially recognized by the Romans. Numerous remnants of the Roman occupation can be seen. For instance, Roman architecture is especially abundant in the nearby city of Vienne. The Théâtre Romain (one of the biggest amphitheaters in Roman France, renovated in 1938) and the Temple d'Auguste et Livie (dated to 25 BC) are located there.

The renown of Hermitage (or Ermitage) wine dates back to the 17th century, when King Louis XIII and his successor, King Louis XIV, also known as the "Sun King," accepted it as an official wine in their French courts. It was not only the chosen wine of the kings; visiting dignitaries and foreign royalty received it as a gift.

The name "Hermitage" was used by vineyards in many parts of the world before to receiving worldwide legal protection. It is known for its associations with superior quality, one well-known example is the well-known "Penfolds Bin 95 Grange" in Australia, which was known as "Grange Hermitage" until 1989.

"Hermitage" or "Ermitage"?

On the bottles created by mixing various Hermitage hill parcels, the word "Hermitage" will be written. similar to our wines from Monier de la Sizeranne or Chante-Alouette.

Original appellation "Ermitage" will be kept for Plot Selection Sélections Parcellaires. That is, wines like our "l'Ermite" that are made from berries that come from the same plot, providing a "photograph" of the terroir in where they are planted.

Wine Style in Hermitage

Vineyard in Hermitage

Hermitage wines, both red and white, have a long and rich life.

Strict regulations allow for up to 15 percent of the white grape varietals, Marsanne and Roussanne, to be included in the red wines, which can be stored for thirty years or more. Syrah is typically the only vine used in their production. They are renowned for their strength and complex fragrances of red berries, coffee, and leather.

Due to their high tannin content, they are typically cellared for up to 40 years, which is longer than that of American or Australian Syrahs.

Terroir

Terroir of Hermitage

The terrain is composed of gneiss and mica-schists, granitic sand, and round alluvial pebbles close to the river. Hermitage's diverse soils give rise to a number of named plots, including Bessards, Greffieux, Méal, Rocoules, and Beaumes. Hermitage hill is split into three sections: the central portion, which has Les Greffieux's relatively more fertile soils in the lower part and Le Méal's limestone and flint soils in the upper part; the eastern Murets and Dionnières parcels, which are known for their clay soil and suitability for white wine production; and Les Bessards on the west, also known as the "red" terroir, which is home to the Hermitage and L'Ermite vineyards.

Famous Hermitage Vineyards and Producers

Certain vineyards, such as Les Bessards, to the west; to the east are Bessards, Le Méal, Les Greffieux, and Murets. At the top of the slope are L'Hermite and La Chapelle, which are connected to the negociant firm Paul Jaboulet Aîné, which is well-known for its premium cuvée, La Chapelle. The name of the appellation comes from the legend of Gaspard de Stérimberg, a wounded soldier of the Crusades who was permitted to construct a haven on the mountain and live as a hermit there. Domaine Jean-Louis Chave, M. Chapoutier (both negociant businesses), Delas Frères (now owned by Louis Roederer), and Jaboulet are some of the major vineyard owners in the area.

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