Hermitage AOC (France)
Hermitage is a wine region in the North Rhône Valley of France.
Syrah is the only red grape permitted in the AOC.
Hermitage Flavors
 Raspberry |
 Blueberry |
 Black Cherry |
 Blackberry |
 Plum |
 Jam |
 Mint |
 Licorice |
 Herbs |
 Pepper |
 Cloves |
 Minerals |
Tertiary Flavors from Aging:
 Vanilla |
 Coffee |
 Chocolate |
 Tobacco |
Cool climate Hermitage has more Red Fruit.
White Pepper rather than Black Pepper. Mint rather than Licorice.
Raspberry. Blueberry. Black Cherry. Green Olive. Spices. White Pepper. Mineral. Mint. Licorice.
Warm climate Hermitage has Darker Fruit.
Dark Fruit. Dark Berries. Blackberry. Black Olive. Jam. Spices. Clove. Black Pepper. Eucalyptus. Licorice. Mint.
Hermitage Profile
| BODY: | Full |
| TANNINS: | High |
| FRUIT: | Medium |
| ACIDITY: | Medium - High |
| ALCOHOL: | 13-15% ABV |
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Serving temperature: 16-18°C (61-64°F) |
Hermitage Food Pairing
 Mushroom |
 Hamburger |
 Ham |
 Casseroles |
 Pork |
 Lamb |
 Veal |
 Beef |
The massive taste of a full bodied Hermitage pairs best with bold food.
Hermitage loves Roasted Lamb and BBQ.
Excellent Pairing
BBQ. Grilled. Roasts.
Roasted Potatoes and Onions.
Grilled Mushrooms (Portobello).
Grilled Veggetables.
Rich Casseroles. Beef Stew.
BBQ. Chicken. Pork. Rabbit. Game.
Roasted Lamb. Lamb Chops. Lamb Shank.
Hamburger. Cheese Burger. Bacon Burger.
Red Meat Dishes. Spareribs. Veal Chops.
Strip Steak. T-Bone. Kobe. Entrecôte.
The Ideal Glass for Hermitage
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The Bordeaux Glass was designed for enjoying fuller-bodied, tannic red wines. They are taller than other red wine glasses, and has a slimmer bowl. The tall size allows the bouquet of the wine to develop, smooth out rough edges, play down tannins, and allow the wine to achieve balance. The slimmer bowl directs the wine to the back of your mouth for a maximum taste. |
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About Syrah / Shiraz
Legends claim that the Syrah grape originated in Shiraz, capital of the Persian Empire (modern-day Iran) or in Syracuse, Sicily. But there is no evidence.
The historical home of Syrah is the Rhône region of France.
The most famous Appellations are located in the Northern Rhône (Rotie, Hermitage, Cornas), where steep hillsides sometimes reach a gradient of 70°.
Introduced in Australia in 1831 by Scotsman James Busby, it is the most planted red grape variety there, and it is spelled different: Shiraz.
The best ones develop sweet, rich fruits, as well as aromas characterized by smoke, spices, leather and soil as they mature.
You can read more about the world wide production at Syrah Regions.
Hermitage vs Crozes-Hermitage
Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage are two different appelations (AOC) from the same area around the city of Tain l'Hermitage in Côtes du Rhône North.
Hermitage is the most famous and considered the best French Syrah.
Crozes Hermitage wines are lighter while Hermitage is more flavorful.
The main difference comes from the soil. Hermitage has a granite soil while Crozes has more clay and sand. Hermitage vineyards are at the top of the hill and more exposed to the sun. Crozes Hermitage vineyards are below.
Côtes du Rhône North
In the Côtes du Rhône North, the main grape is Syrah.
The grapes grow on very steep slopes, and are manually picked in hillside trolleys, wich adds to the price.
Red Wine Appelations
| Appelation | Grapes |
|---|---|
| Côte-Rôtie AOC | Syrah and max 20% Viognier |
| Saint-Joseph AOC | Syrah and max 10% Marsanne and Roussanne |
| Crozes-Hermitage AOC | Syrah and max 15% Marsanne and Roussanne |
| Hermitage AOC | Syrah and max 15% Marsanne and Roussanne |
| Cornas AOC | 100% Syrah |
White Wine Appelations
| Appelation | Grapes |
|---|---|
| Condrieu AOC | 100% Viognier |
| Château-Grillet AOC | 100% Viognier |
| Saint-Joseph AOC | Marsanne and Roussanne |
| Crozes-Hermitage AOC | Marsanne and Roussanne |
| Hermitage AOC | Marsanne and Roussanne |
| Saint-Péray AOC | Marsanne and Roussanne |
Sparkling Applications
| Grapes | |
|---|---|
| Saint-Péray AOC | Marsanne and Roussanne |