Hermitage
The "Coteaux (slope) de l'Hermitage" dominates the small town of Tain l'Hermitage. The first plantations date from the 10th century but it is under Louis the XIV that l'Hermitage obtains its credential letters... Hermitage was the favorite cru of the Tsar court in Russia.
The red wines of Hermitage are generous and well balanced, strong aromas and a complete bouquet. Hermitage wines tolerate aging very well and become smooth and mellow when they mature.
Hermitage wine information:
Name:
Appellation Hermitage Controlée
Location:
Right bank of Rhone river, in Drôme department
Places:
Tain-l’Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage and Larnage
Soil:
Granite and gravels
Size:
140 ha (345 acres)
Production:
730,000 bottles
Mostly red wines
Grapes in Hermitage:
Red:
Syrah
Marsanne and Roussane 15%
White:
Roussane
Marsanne
Type of wines:
Powerful full-body red wine
Full body white wine
Age of Hermitage:
Red:
10 to 20 years and more
White:
7 to 15 years
Vintages (recommended):
Red: 1999, 1998, 1995, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988
White: 2000, 1999, 1998, 1995, 1990
Aromas in Hermitage:
Red:
Red berries
Chocolate
Leather
White:
Vanilla
Lime flowers
White flowers
Food:
Red:
Game
T-bone steak
Beef stew
White:
Lobster
Fish sauce hollandaise
Cheese:
Red:
Brie de Meaux
White:
Beaufort
Cantal
Comté
