WineRegionsOld WorldFranceRhoneNorth
On the left hank of the Rhone, towering over the smiling countrysideof Tain Hermitage, ten miles north of Valence, the imposing slope of Hermitageseems to loom out of the plain. Hermitage already planted with vines inthe fourth century BC owes its name to the Knight of Sterimberg, who obtainedland from Blanche of Castille, to retreat to live as a hermit. Syrah isthe only vine used for the reds. It grows on granite soil, whilst whiteHermitage is produced from Roussanne and Marsanne vines in more clayey soil.Known from time immemorial as a solid, balanced wine, red Hermitage is madeto age, and improve throughout the years. With time it matures and blossoms.Its elegance and bouquet become more clearly defined. An old bottle of Hermitageis an agreeable surprise for the connoisseur who has the patience to wait.White Hermitage may be appreciated from its first year, but will unfailinglyattain its zenith with some years of aging.
Steep terraced slopes divided by stone walls rise above the town of Tain.
375 acres of vineyards
Soil is meager - thin layers of chalky limestone on hard granite subsoil
The grape Syrah reported to be Shiraz brought here by the Crusaders fromPersia.
Vineyards said to be amongst the oldest in France.
White grapes: Marsanne and Roussanne. Less than 30,000 cases average yield.Can age for 20 years.
Taste characteristics of white, full with plenty of flavor.
Red - full rich with raspberry complexity. Twice as much red produced aswhite.
Chante-Alouette is the most celebrated white Hermitage, and is the trademarkof Chapoutier. This is a blend of better vineyards including the Chante-Alouettevineyard.
Stone walls with names of growers is a landmark in this area.