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Where does Hermitage wine come from?

Hermitage is a French wine Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in the northern Rhône wine region of France south of Lyon. It produces mostly red wine from the Syrah grape; however, small quantities of white wine are also produced from Roussane and Marsanne grapes. The hill is seen by some as the spiritual home of the Syrah grape variety.

What is the difference between red and white Hermitage wine?

Both red and white Hermitage wines are long-lived and full-bodied. The red wines, which may be aged for 30 years or more, are often produced exclusively from Syrah, tough regulations permit up to 15 percent of the white grape varieties Marsanne and Roussanne. They are known for their robustness and rich aromas of leather, coffee and red berries.

What grapes are in a red Hermitage?

Though the AC regulations allow the addition of up to 15% white grapes to a red Hermitage, in practice it is usually made from Syrah alone. Winemaking is pretty traditional—or you might say historic—with hot fermentations and aging in older barrels of various sizes.

What are the best vineyards in Hermitage?

Les Bessards is the most famous, as well as the largest vineyard in Hermitage. Some of the best vines in the entire appellation are planted in Les Bessards. Chave, Jaboulet, Chapoutier and Delas all have vines planted in Les Bessards.