Crozes-Hermitage/Crozes-Ermitage AOP

Question 1

Give a brief history of Crozes-Hermitage

Answer 1

Crozes-Hermitage was created in 1937. At the time it was restricted to the village whose name it assumed because of its plots that were awarded Hermitage AOC status. It was not until 1956 that the 10 surrounding local authorities were included in the appellation. Previously, the area was long covered in orchards (centre and south) or wilderness (north). It was only once the appellation was extended that the vineyards took hold.

Question 2

Describe the geography of Crozes-Hermitage

Answer 2

The Crozes-Hermitage vineyard is the largest of the northern appellations. Located on the 45th parallel, it is spread across 11 local authority areas in the Drôme on the left-bank of the Rhône, to the north, south, and east of Tain-l’Hermitage. It lies 20km to the north of Valence and 3km to the north of Tain-l’Hermitage

Question 3

Describe the climate of Crozes-Hermitage

Answer 3

Spread across a very large area, the Crozes-Hermitage vineyard is influenced by two different climates. To the north, the climate is temperate with and almost constant wind that blows and dries the air along the Rhône corridor. When the wind blows from the north, it brings fine weather and much needed freshness in summer, and a biting cold in winter. When the wind comes from the south, it is followed by storms and can make the atmosphere almost unbearable, especially in summer.

Below this latitude, the Mediterranean climate’s influence can be felt… The high annual sunshine (around 2400 hours in Valence) doubles during the hot, dry, summers, and average temperatures reach 20°C in July. Winter brings a moderately cold, semi-continental climate. Annual rainfall is moderate with particularly heavy rain at the end of the summer (especially in September owing to the Cévennes effect or Cevenol storms with their heavy rainfall)

Question 4

Describe the soils of Crozes-Hermitage

Answer 4

The major variety is located to the south and east of Tain-l’Hermitage, and is composed of thick layers of pebbles from different glacial periods, mixed with red clay to form relatively flat landscapes known as plateaus or terraces (Chassis, Sept Chemins…). To the north-east lie terroirs where the hillsides are relatively steep. Towards Larnage and Crozes-Hermitage are found pebbly terraces covered with loess or kaolinic white sands; while the areas to the north (Erôme, Serves, and Gervans) lie atop granite soils covered in loess.

Question 5

What is the breakdown of grape production in Crozes-Hermitage

Answer 5

92%
RED

8%
WHITE

Question 6

Styles and Encépagement in Crozes-Hermitage

Answer 6

Blanc: Marsanne and/or Roussanne
Rouge: Syrah plus a max. 15% combined Marsanne and Roussanne

Question 7

Principal Soil Type in Crozes-Hermitage

Answer 7

North: Granitic slopes, similar to Hermitage
South: Alluvial soils of glacial origin

Question 8

When was the Crozes-Hermitage AOC Established?

Answer 8

1937

Question 9

Permitted Training Methods in Crozes-Hermitage

Answer 9

Cordon de Royat and Gobelet