Crozes-Hermitage: the largest appellation of the northern Rhône
Crozes-Hermitage is the largest appellation in the northern Rhône. Its vineyards sit on the east bank of the river in the Drôme and wrap around the famous hill above Tain-l'Hermitage. The appellation was created in 1937, when it covered only the village of Crozes-Hermitage. It was extended in 1952 and today takes in eleven communes. That makes Crozes-Hermitage the most approachable way into northern Rhône Syrah: the same grape and the same climate as its neighbours, spread over a much larger and more varied area.
Syrah from granite and river stones: what Crozes-Hermitage wine tastes like
Red Crozes-Hermitage is made from Syrah, and the rules allow a small share of the white grapes Marsanne and Roussanne in the blend. Expect dark cherry, blackberry, violet, black olive and white pepper, with juicy fruit and a more relaxed frame than Hermitage. The terroir splits in two. In the north, around Gervans, Erôme and the village of Crozes-Hermitage itself, vines grow on steep granite slopes that give tighter, more mineral wines. In the south, broad river terraces of rounded stones, gravel and loess stretch out, including the plain of Les Chassis, where Syrah turns round, generous and fruit-led.
White Crozes-Hermitage is made from Marsanne and Roussanne. It is full and soft, with peach, apricot, white flowers and almond, and carries more structure than most people expect.
Crozes-Hermitage producers in our range
Domaine Alain Graillot was founded in 1985 and is now run by Alain Graillot's sons. You will find both the classic red Crozes-Hermitage, also in magnum, and La Guiraude, a selection of the best barrels of the vintage. Domaine Combier in Pont-de-l'Isère is an organic pioneer, and its Clos des Grives from old Syrah vines is one of the best-known wines of the appellation, here in magnum and double magnum. Paul Jaboulet Aîné's Crozes-Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert, the house's own estate in the appellation, is available from the 2012 vintage.
The range also includes E. Guigal in red and white, Domaine des Entrefaux with Les Machonniers and Les Pends in red and white, Christophe Curtat's Fées des Champs, Pierre-Jean Villa's Accroche-Cœur, François Villard's Certitude and Domaine Garon. For the mature style, there is Domaine des Rémizières L'Essentiel from 2003.
Crozes-Hermitage vs Hermitage: what is the difference?
Hermitage is the small, steep granite hill directly above Tain-l'Hermitage, and its wines are more powerful, more concentrated and built for long ageing. Crozes-Hermitage surrounds the hill and gives wines that are ready to drink sooner. The best from the northern granite resemble Hermitage in style, while the wines of the southern terraces are more fruit-driven. To go further into the northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie is the next step towards the elegant, floral side of Syrah.
Food pairing with Crozes-Hermitage
A red Crozes-Hermitage suits grilled beef, lamb, duck, barbecued sausages and mushroom dishes. Its peppery spice and juicy tannins also make it a good match for burgers and bistro cooking. Serve it at 15 to 17°C. The white works with fish in butter sauce, chicken, veal and aged cheeses.
Crozes-Hermitage FAQ
What grape is Crozes-Hermitage made from?
Red Crozes-Hermitage is made from Syrah, sometimes with a small share of Marsanne or Roussanne. The white is made from Marsanne and Roussanne.
How long can you keep a Crozes-Hermitage?
Most reds drink well after two or three years and keep comfortably for five to eight. Top cuvées such as Clos des Grives, La Guiraude and Thalabert can develop for longer.
Is there a white Crozes-Hermitage?
Yes. It is much rarer than the red and is made from Marsanne and Roussanne. Try Guigal's white Crozes-Hermitage or the Domaine des Entrefaux Blanc.
Is Crozes-Hermitage the same as Hermitage?
No. They are two separate appellations. Hermitage is the hill above Tain-l'Hermitage, and Crozes-Hermitage is the larger area around it.