Wine Crozes-Hermitage

The history of the Crozes-Hermitage vineyard goes back to the Allobroges

The viticultural history of Crozes-Hermitage goes back to the Allobroges. Writings from 30 BC attest to the presence of vines in this region and mention the existence of a wine called "L'allobrogica". This "vin de Vienne" refers to a vine name for which genetic links with Syrah have been established.

In the 16th century, Hermits settled on the Saint-Christophe hillside which became the Hermitage hillside. In 1863, the phylloxera crisis hit the vineyards of the Rhone valley. From 1881, the vignerons will mobilise to rebuild the vineyard. In 1890, we know of the first agricultural union in Tain.

The difficulties for this vineyard will however continue with the First World War, the wine crisis and the economic crisis. These events will require the mobilisation of the vineyard workforce which is no longer available for the maintenance of the vineyard.

In order to continue to develop the vineyard of Crozes, in 1927 "The union of the wine growers of the canton of Tain- l'Hermitage, producer of great wines" was created and in 1933 the cooperative cellar of Tain-l'Hermitage began its activity. During this period, in 1920, the name of the prestigious coteau Hermitage was added to the name Crozes.

In 1937, the AOC "Crozes-Hermitage" was recognised by the INAO, which initially limited the production area to part of the eponymous commune. In 1952, the appellation area was extended to 11 communes that had acquired the vintage know-how. This increase in the production area will require a selection of the best plots in order to meet the quality needs of the consumer. In 1989, the production area was therefore reduced by 3400 ha, the gamble of refocusing on quality was successful and the reputation of Crozes-Hermitage continued to be emulated.

The diversity of Crozes-Hermitage characteristics

The Crozes-Hermitage appellation is located on the 45th parallel north of Valencia. It is naturally bounded to the north by the "Cromlech-de-la-roche-qui-danse", to the east by the Herbasse river, to the south by the Isère tributary and to the west by the Rhône valley. It is the cru des Côtes du Rhône most extensive with 1650 ha exploited which are spread over 11 communes in the Drôme (Beaumont- Monteux, Chanos-Curson, Crozes-Hermitage, Erône, Gervans, Larnage, Mercurol, Pont-de-l'Isère, Roche-de-Glun, Serves sur Rhône and Tain-l'Hermitage). The great red wines are made from the Syrah grape. The specifications of the appellation allow a blend of 85% Syrah and 15% with the white grape varieties Marsanne/Roussanne. The majority grape variety of the white wines is the Marsanne but very often blended with the Roussanne.

In the north of the appellation, there are sandy-clay soils with granitic arenas (from the alteration of the granitic substratum of the Rhone Valley). This part of the appellation shares its geomorphology with its prestigious neighbour "Hermitage". These soils are not very stable and fragile. The benches, low walls and terraces help maintain the stability of the soils and are therefore essential to the conservation of the terroir that characterises the wines of Crozes-Hermitage North. In fact, the terraces, low walls and benches are made of dry stones which, in addition to stabilising the soil, play a role in draining rainwater and storing the heat of the day to release it at night. stony soils sometimes covered with loess (for the highest terraces which are also the oldest) and kaolinic sand as on a part of the commune of Larnage. The "coteau des Pends" is located in the communes of Crozes-Hermitage and Mercurol. Further south, the terraces known as "Châssis" are younger and less marked. They form a triangle with the Pont-de-l'Isère as its summit.

The geological differences between the north and the south are also reflected in the climate. Indeed, in the north the altitude is higher with a temperate climate, the summers are cool and dry and the winters are freezing. In addition, the granite soils retain moisture. On the other hand, in the south the climate is Mediterranean. There is more sunshine, the summers are hot and dry and the winters relatively cold. The mistral wind blows in, which dries out the soil. Rainfall is more regular in the north of the appellation, while in the south it is affected by the Cevennes. The regulations are adapted to these atypical landscapes with the obligation to maintain the terraces, a low planting density (minimum of 4000 vines/ha) to avoid weakening the terraces and a short pruning which are the cordon and the gobelet.

Crozes-Hermitage offer great taste

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The diversity of terroirs and climate is also observable when tasting the wines. The winemakers adapt the viticultural work and the winemaking itinerary so that the wines reflect and convey to the tasters their terroir of origin. The white wines have a pale colour with green reflections. Depending on the winemaking route and blending, the white wines will taste very different.

When the wine is drunk young, the nose will present fresh citrus aromas. The palate is lively with a nice fullness. In the case where the wine will need to age, the nose will present notes of citrus, white flowers complexed by spicy notes. The palate is a balance between fatness and vivacity. There is a slight bitterness on the finish of these wines which is very pleasant.

The red wines made from 100% Syrah grapes are in the majority. They have a dense garnet red colour. The nose presents notes of red fruits, pepper and violet with sometimes a small floral touch. Ageing will allow animal notes to develop. The palate is structured, powerful and the tannins are present in an elegant way. Wines from the north of the appellation tend to be more structured.

Crozes-Hermitage offer a wide variety of pairings

The diversity of the wines in this appellation gives unparalleled freedom. One can thus match a Crozes-Hermitage wine from starter to dessert. The white wines will go very well as an aperitif or with grilled fish. The red wines in their youth will go well with rabbit, poultry, charcuterie and with St marcellin, the region's must-have cheese. With age, these wines will go well with duck, red meat and game. The red wines will surprise you with a square of dark chocolate with over 70% cocoa.

Discovering 3 mythical domains in Crozes-Hermitage

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The Domaine Combier

This is a family estate with Laurent, David and Julien Combier at the head. They are keen to continue an organic farming started in 1970 by their grandfather. They want nature to rule. The house wines reflect this desire to preserve nature with work in the cellar that respects the grapes. The wines are not very extracted, the fruit expresses itself quickly and the watchwords are finesse and elegance.

Caroline Frey

She is at the head of several estates including the Paul Jaboulet Aîné estate. She is the head of several estates, including the Paul Jaboulet Aîné estate, which has been established in Tain-l'Hermitage since 1834 and whose reputation is growing all the time. Organic farming and an understanding of their different terroirs allow them to obtain terroir wines that reflect their origin with elegance and finesse.

The Maison Michel Chapoutier

This noble institution is based in Tain-l'Hermitage and is one of the forerunners of biodynamic farming. Michel Chapoutier began plot selections in 1989 and biodynamic farming in 1990. He vinifies wines that have great organoleptic qualities and have made the house famous internationally. Today he owns several estates in France and abroad, and he wants each of them to keep their origin, but the common thread is respect for the terroir and its expression.