Passe Temps

Crozes-Hermitage

The largest appellation in France's Northern Rhône sub-region, Crozes-Hermitage is famed for its sophisticated reds made exclusively from the Syrah grape. Sitting on the east bank of the Rhône River and covering more territory than its smaller neighbors, Crozes-Hermitage wines are quite diverse. Dark berry flavors with violet aromas are the typical style here, although wines from sunnier south- and west-facing slopes tend to have more dried herb and tobacco notes. As well as vineyard orientation, soils play a vital role in Crozes-Hermitage. These range from dense gravel to red clay and light sands, highlighting the importance of terroir on a wine's character. AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) is the most prestige of the quality tiers within France’s wine classification system. AOC-designated wines must follow multiple different rules on a broad range of topics. Wines are regulated on the appellation, varietal inclusion, production methods, alcohol levels, vineyard planting density and age of the vineyard.