Hermitage: Difference between revisions
Created page with "'''Hermitage''' (French: [ɛʁmi.taʒ]) is a prestigious appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) in the Northern Rhône, France. Centred on a single south-facing hill above the town of Tain-l’Hermitage, it is regarded as one of the Rhône Valley’s most historic and renowned vineyard sites, producing powerful and long-lived wines, primarily from Syrah.<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015.</ref..." |
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Latest revision as of 16:12, 27 August 2025
Hermitage (French: [ɛʁmi.taʒ]) is a prestigious appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) in the Northern Rhône, France. Centred on a single south-facing hill above the town of Tain-l’Hermitage, it is regarded as one of the Rhône Valley’s most historic and renowned vineyard sites, producing powerful and long-lived wines, primarily from Syrah.[1]
Background
Viticulture on the Hermitage hill dates back to antiquity, with cultivation attributed to the Romans. The name “Hermitage” derives from a 13th-century knight, Gaspard de Stérimberg, who is said to have lived there as a hermit after returning from the Crusades.[2] By the 18th and 19th centuries, Hermitage wines were celebrated across Europe, often used to strengthen weaker vintages of Bordeaux through blending.
The appellation, formally established in 1937, covers around 130 hectares of vineyards on steep granite slopes above the Rhône River.[3]
Characteristics
The terroir of Hermitage combines granite bedrock with patches of loess and alluvial deposits, yielding varied mesoclimates across the hill. The vineyards are divided into lieux-dits such as Les Bessards, Le Méal, and L’Hermite, each contributing distinct expressions of Syrah.[4]
Hermitage red wines are exclusively made from Syrah, with the AOC regulations permitting up to 15% Marsanne and Roussanne in the blend, though this is rarely practised. White Hermitage, produced solely from Marsanne and Roussanne, is celebrated for its richness and longevity.
Use in winemaking
Hermitage reds are known for their depth, firm tannic structure, and capacity to age for decades, often developing complex aromas of black fruit, leather, spice, and game. They are among the longest-lived wines of the Northern Rhône.[5]
Hermitage whites, though rarer, can be equally ageworthy. They display flavours of stone fruit, nuts, and honey, and may take many years to reach their peak. Small quantities of vin de paille (straw wine) are also authorised under the appellation, made from dried Marsanne and Roussanne grapes.
Reputation and influence
Hermitage has historically been one of the most esteemed French wines, often commanding high prices and influencing styles beyond the Rhône. In the 19th century, Bordeaux négociants commonly used Hermitage to fortify and enrich claret in weaker vintages.[6] Today, it remains a benchmark for Syrah globally, inspiring producers in the New World.
See also
References
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Livingstone-Learmonth, The Wines of the Rhône, Infinite Ideas, 2019.
- ↑ Syndicat de l’Appellation Hermitage, “Appellation Hermitage”, hermitage-vins.com.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Livingstone-Learmonth, The Wines of the Rhône, Infinite Ideas, 2019.