Crozes-Hermitage AOP

The appellation Crozes Hermitage has been officially recognized as an AOC wine (appellation d’origine contrôlé) since 1937 and was born on exceptional terroirs. Well-known for its gourmet red fruit hints of Syrah it also exists in extremely fresh white wines with white floral flavours.

It extends over 11 towns and villages (Érôme, Serves-sur-Rhône, Gervans, Larnage, Tain-l’Hermitage, Mercurol, Chanos-Curson, Beaumont-Monteux, La Roche-de-Glun et Pont-de-l’Isère) all situated in the northern part of the county Drôme.

It is the greatest appellation of Northern Côtes du Rhône wines. We often talk about the Crozes Hermitages terroirs as, by definition, they cover a vast area therefore take into account natural factors such as climate, geology, the grape variety and also the know-how of our winemakers.

As the production is grown over a vast area (1,650 hectares) with a great soil diversity, the AOC Crozes-Hermitage wine is obviously one of character with many different features. The plains of river pebbles surrounding Mercurol, the so-called white clay soils (kaolin*) not forgetting the granite slopes more to the north, all give their particular distinctions to the wines pleasing the tastebuds of oenologists.

However, novices are not to be forgotten as Crozes-Hermitage is one of the wines well-appreciated for its simplicity with its distinctive hints and flavours even for those with a less-expert palate.

Syrah produces mainly  red wine, a grape variety originating from here at the heart of the Rhône Valley and not, as some legends say, from Syria or even Syracuse. Crozes-Hermitage white wines represent only 10% of the appellation and come from Roussanne and Marsanne grape varieties.

** Kaolin : Kaolin is a white friable, fire-resistant clay, composed mainly of aluminium silicates

Our Crozes-Hermitage producers with the Vignobles & Découvertes label

The Ardèche Hermitage destination was awarded in 2011. "Vignobles & Découvertes" is a national label involving professionals offering quality services where sharing and authenticity are a priority. Our destination "D'Hermitage en Saint-Joseph" located in the northern part of the Côtes du Rhône, includes three appellations: Hermitage, Crozes Hermitage and Saint-Joseph. 84 certified service providers: accommodation, restaurants, cultural sites, wine shops and well heard winegrowers including 15 producers from Crozes-Hermitage:

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Follow the wine route to discover these tasty estates and taste a few bottles*! Many events are organized around our appellations, delicious opportunities to stay in Ardèche Hermitage.