📜 Hermitage
A famous granite hill above Tain-l'Hermitage: powerful reds from Syrah and whites from Marsanne.
Hermitage is a famous appellation in the northern part of the Rhône Valley in France. It occupies a steep granite hill above the town of Tain-l'Hermitage, right above the river. The slope faces south and warms up well.
The main wines of Hermitage are reds from Syrah. They are dark and powerful, with the aroma of black berries, pepper, smoke and herbs, and firm tannin. Good red Hermitage needs ageing and opens up after about ten years. But white wines are also made here from Marsanne and Roussanne: they are rich, with notes of nuts, honey and pear.
There is also a rarity, a sweet straw wine made from dried berries. All these wines are still, neither sparkling nor fortified.
The name is linked to a legend about a knight who became a hermit on this hill. Hermitage stands next to other Northern Rhône appellations, such as Cornas, but its wines are traditionally considered among the most significant in the region.
Links
- Where it is
- 📍 Northern Rhône
- Main grapes
- 🍇 Syrah, 🍇 Marsanne, 🍇 Roussanne
- Wines
- 🍷 Red wine, 🍷 White wine, 🍷 Still wine, 🍷 Sweet wine
Frequently asked questions
What is Hermitage in wine?
An appellation in the northern Rhône Valley, France, known for powerful red wines from Syrah and whites from Marsanne and Roussanne.
What is the soil in Hermitage?
Granite, on a steep slope above the town of Tain-l'Hermitage.
What wines are made in Hermitage?
Reds from Syrah, whites from Marsanne and Roussanne, and a rare sweet straw wine.
Similar
📜 Crozes-Hermitage · 📜 Saint-Joseph · 📜 Saint-Péray · 📜 Cornas · 📜 Collines Rhodaniennes · 📍 La Palma
⚠️ Wine contains alcohol: adults only, drink in moderation. Wine usually contains sulphites; egg white or milk proteins are sometimes used for fining — important for allergies and for vegans.