Discover the two greatest appellations of Northern Rhône wines!

Côte Rôtie and Hermitage stand today as the two strong appellations of the Northern Rhône. Discover the history, aromas, and grape varieties of these exceptional terroirs!

Côte-Rôtie Appellation

Vineyard History

The Romans developed the vineyard during their era. Exports to the English court and Russia are already noted in the 18th century. The 1914-1918 war took 150 winegrowers from the appellation, condemning a significant portion of the hillsides to abandonment. Only 60 ha remained in 1960. New dynamism reappeared in the late 1970s, notably under the influence of Etienne Guigal, and regained international acclaim. A.O.C. since 1940.

Côte-Rôtie Terroir

A few kilometers from Lyon, it is the northernmost appellation of the Rhône Valley wines.

The vineyard, very narrow, planted on wide terraces of just a few dozen vines extends over 3 communes: Saint-Cyr-sur-Rhône, Ampuis and Tupin-Semons, on the right bank of the Rhône, in the Rhône department. It includes 73 classified lieu-dits.

The south-east facing vines are located between 180 and 325 meters altitude. The slopes can exceed 60%.

Almost all the vines are located on metamorphic rocks (recrystallization of sediments or magma). These are very steep granite terraces with numerous fractures allowing the roots to draw water and nutrients.

The terroir is divided into two main sectors: the Côte Blonde, covered with a clay-silico-limestone layer, and the Côte Brune, covered with clay and iron oxide. Legend has it that the names come from the two heiress daughters of the nobleman Maugiron, one of whom was brunette and the other blonde.

Climate

South exposure. Moderate continental climate. Dry and hot in summer. Temperate with regular rainfall the other seasons. Mediterranean influence is felt through a drying south wind.

Côte-Rôtie Production

Area under production (in 2012): 275 ha

Annual production: 9972 hl - Average yield: 36 hl/ha

Aging generally in small or very large barrels.

Grape Varieties

Syrah (minimum 80%) and Viognier (up to 20% maximum).

Long pruning for Syrah (associated in pyramid of 2 vines on 4 stakes).

The pruning of Viognier can include a long wood called "arçon". The other spurs must not be pruned to more than 2 buds.

Wine Profile

The combination of Syrah and Viognier allows the expression of great aromatic elegance, numerous tannins but with beautiful finesse, sometimes even at a very young age. The nose of Côte Rôtie wines is very elegant, with red or black fruits, spices, pepper, violet, leather...

Main producers: Guigal, Jean-Michel Gérin, Jamet, Rostaing

Hermitage Appellation

Vineyard History

It is said that the Knight of Sterimberg in the 13th century, weary of battling the Albigensian Cathars, repented by dedicating himself to prayer and viticulture around a hermitage at the top of the Tain hill. However, the vineyard already existed during the Roman era, with the famous wines of Vienne.

The Hermitage appellation became an A.O.C. in 1937.

Hermitage Terroir

The vineyard extends over 3 communes: Tain-l'Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage and Larnage on the left bank of the Rhône, in the Drôme department.

The soils are composed of granite arenas covered with micaschist and gneiss, but also areas of alluvial round pebbles, a source of diversity that explains the presence of several lieu-dits in the appellation: Bessards, Greffieux, Méal, Rocoule, Beaumes, etc.

The terroir is subdivided into three parts or hillocks. Starting from the west on the left bank, we first find:

- Les Bessards: terroir considered the best for reds. It is on this hillside that we find the Chapel of Hermitage.

- The central part which is divided in two. On the upper part, called le Méal, produces the most solar wines of the appellation thanks notably to its full southern exposure. On the lower part, we find les Greffieux, with more fertile soil.

- The Murets and Dionniers areas with a much less steep slope and eastern exposure are the great terroir for whites.

Climate

Sheltered from the north wind and under Mediterranean influence, most of the hillsides face south and benefit from good sunshine.

Hermitage Wine Production

Area under production (in 2012):136 ha

Annual production: 4434 hl - Average yield: 33 hl/ha.

70% reds and 30% whites. Barrel aging.

Grape Varieties

Syrah for red wines (with 15% Marsanne and/or Roussanne maximum).

Roussanne and Marsanne for white wines.

Long pruning is practiced.

Wine Profile

With age, the reds, powerful and fleshy, acquire roundness and suppleness.

Endowed with great aging capacity, the best vintages gain finesse and harmony over time and develop notes of violet, spices, leather, etc.

Made from Marsanne and Roussanne grape varieties, white Hermitage wines, with their golden yellow color, are generally very unctuous. They develop aromas of cream, hazelnut, peach and apricot, linden. Their aging potential can be significant.

Main producers: Jean-Louis Chave, Chapoutier, Jaboulet, Marc Sorrel