AOC Hermitage wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

A.O.C./A.O.P.

the appellation area is located in three villages set on the left bank of the Rhône, in the northern portion of the valley. Terraces chiselled into the sheer hillsides are home to the vines here. The soils are predominantly granite though for many years the area was divided into climate-specific sites, each with its own soil make-up. The climate sites situated along the far western end of the hill are formed of gravel and sand on a granite bedrock. On the lower climate sites, clay dominates, whilst calcareous clay occurs on the higher sites. The wines are vinted traditionally at controlled temperatures. Both the red and white wines can be aged either in tanks or oak casks.

Grape varieties: Vins rouges : syrah, roussane, marsanne. Vins blancs : roussane, marsanne

The wines of this appellation

the Hermitage appellation produces both red and white wines. As in the neighbouring appellations, the red wines are single varietal Syrah. As a rule of thumb, they display a deep red hue evolving into an orangy colour down the years, and an extremely fragrant nose. These wines are opulent, sumptuous, elegant and will keep for twenty to thirty years. Aromas of violet, peony, blackcurrant, raspberry, spices, truffle, leather and prune are present. Try with game served in a sauce, for example. The white wines are drawn from Marsanne, with a small proportion of Roussanne. They exhibit a pretty golden hue, are fat and full with an elegant framework. The best examples come from vineyards set on the highest elevations. They display fragrances of flowers, unroasted coffee, gunflint, vanilla and toasted almonds, leading into notes of honey and wax as they mature. They marry extremely well with lamb curry, pastilla or chicken tajine with lemon confit.