Vineyards: these are spread over 3 communes in the Drôme: Tain-l’Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage and Larnage on the right bank of the Rhône.
Soil types: comprised of granitic gravel covered with a layer of micaschist and gniess, with areas of round alluvial stones (this diversity accounts for the named villages within the Appellation: Bessards, Greffieux, Méal, Rocoule, Beaumes etc.).
Climate: sheltered from the North winds, lthe majority of the slopes have a Southern aspect providing lots of sunshine.
Background: legend recounts how the Knight of Sterimberg, weary of slaughter and fighting the Albigensians, repented and devoted himself to prayer and cultivating the vines that grew around a Hermitage that overlooked the village of Tain.
The Hermitage was consecrated a Local A.O.C. in 1937.
News: a geological teaching information map has been published showing the area covered by the Hermitage Appellation, and the various types of soil found there les différents types de soil types.
Area under cultivation*: 130 hectares, yearly production: 4783 hl, basic yield: 37 hl/hectare.
* Source: harvest statement 2004.
Grape variety mix: Syrah for the red wines (15% Marsanne and Roussanne content is permitted), Roussanne and Marsanne for the white wines.
Pruning: long pruning for the Syrah The other varieties are pruned to two eyes plus a "bourillon" (first small fertile bud).
Wine making: natural alcohol content by volume, red 10.5% minimum, 11% for the whites.
