Crozes-Hermitage Wine Region Guide

The Crozes-Hermitage wine region is the largest wine region in the northern Rhone region that encompasses 1768 hectares of vineyard across 11 communes in the uplands of Drome. 

The region produces 7.5 million liters of wine annually which is greater than the other seven appellations of northern rhone combined together. The region predominantly produces red wines from Syrah which accounts for 90% of the total production. The remaining 10% is covered by white wines made from Roussanne and Marsanne. 

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Crozes-Hermitage!

Where is the Crozes-Hermitage wine region?

The Crozes-Hermitage wine region is located primarily on the Rhone River's eastern bank and is the largest wine appellation in the northern Rhone. The Crozes-Hermitage wine region encircles the renowned Hermitage appellation from the north, east, and south. The region is separated from St-Joseph to the west by the Rhone River. Cornas is located in the south, while Cotes du Rhone is located in the north. The area begins about 10 kilometers north of Tain-l'Hermitage and wraps around Gervans.

History of the Crozes-Hermitage wine region

Crozes-Hermitage wines first gained prominence in the 1700s, when they were shipped to England via Bordeaux. These wines were called Vin de Mure, a strong and affluent family in the area, at the time. Crozes-Hermitage wines were the most costly in the northern Rhone valley towards the end of the 18th century. The Crozes-Hermitage appellation was established in 1937. The communes of Érôme, Serves-sur-Rhône, Gervans, Larnage, Tain-l'Hermitage, Mercurol, Chanos-Curson, Beaumont-Monteux, La Roche-de-Glun, and Pont-de-l'Isère were added to the area in 1952.

The terroir and geography of the Crozes-Hermitage wine region

The Crozes-Hermitage wine area has a continental climate distinct from the southern Rhone. The appellation is the biggest in the northern Rhone, which adds to the diversity of the topography. The slope slopes south and southwest toward Gervans, with soils, largely consisting of granite and clay. The soil in Tain-l'Hermitage is largely made up of rocks, sand, and clay. The vines benefit from a good mesoclimate north of Tain, with soils largely comprised of granite bedrock with a combination of clay and limestone. The flatter topography in the southern Crozes-Hermitage area is primarily alluvial soil due to Rhone river deposits.

Popular grape varieties from the Crozes-Hermitage wine region

The Crozes-Hermitage wine region is focused more on producing red wines predominantly from the Syrah. The cultivation of the Syrah grape variety accounts for approximately 85%. The remaining 15% is covered by Marsanne and Roussanne. The winemaker in the region prefers to produce red wines using 100% Syrah although the regulation allows to blend of up to 15% of white varietals. 

Food to pair with Crozes-Hermitage wine 

Ribeye steak

The ribeye is a delicious and delicate boneless rib piece. It is derived from the lightly treated upper rib cage area and has marbled fat that contributes to its taste and quick cooking characteristics. Rib eye is one of the greatest steaks for pan-searing, which brings out its powerful, delectable taste.

Rib-eye steak can be accompanied by a thick and creamy béarnaise sauce and some potato side dishes. Pair with your favorite Crozes-Hermitage reds.

Duck breast

Duck breast and Nuits-Saint-Georges Pinot Noir are both excellent on their own and much better combined. Duck is a dark meat that has a rich Gamay taste character. Despite this, it is soft and delicate, with a deeper flavor than chicken. The duck has strong tastes that stand up to the intensity of Pinot Noir. The wine's moderate-high acidity balances out the fattiness of the duck.

You can also add fruits while cooking the duck breast to complement the wine's fruity notes.

Grilled Portobello mushrooms

Portobello mushroom is similar to white button mushroom but older. These mushrooms are dark and large in comparison to younger white mushrooms.

The marinade, oil, and spices are applied to both sides of the portobello mushrooms before grilling the cap side down until slightly browned. Lemon juice, cheese, or vinaigrette are common additions to the meal. The meaty flavors of these portobello mushrooms pair well with medium to full-bodied wines. Enjoy a lovely brunch with Crozes-Hermitage wines.

Places to visit in the Crozes-Hermitage wine region

Castle of Tournon

The Fortress of Tournon is a 16th-century castle in Touron Sur Rhone, Ardeche, France. The castle was erected atop the ruins of a fort that had been here since the 10th century. The castle displays remarkable works of art, including magnificent sculptures, paintings, drawings, engravings, and many more of cultural and historical significance. The chateau is home to the "Musee de France," a museum with extensive treasures dating from the Renaissance to the present day. The entire structure is decorated with furniture and collections from the Rhone region, as well as fine arts from the region. In 1926, the castle was designated as a historic monument.

Frequently asked questions about Crozes-Hermitage