Hermitage

The wine-growing region is located 80 km south of Lyon. Despite the small extent, the Hermitage is geologically very diverse. In the highest, western part, the soil consists of granite, which weathers into fine loam. The eastern, larger part of the slope, on the other hand, is formed in the middle by sand and limestone debris that the Rhône had transported from the Alps. Younger sediments from the Würm Ice Age can be found at the foot of the slope. The highest points are again covered with loess.

Red wine is made from the Syrah, Marsanne and Roussanne are made into white wine.

There is a mixture of continental and Mediterranean climates. Thanks to the southern slope, the grapes are well protected from the cold north wind.

Vineyards cover a good 135 hectares, from which 4,238 hectoliters of wine are obtained.

The Hermitage growers' association has 18 members, including a cooperative. The wines of Jean-Louis Chave, Maison Châpoutier, Delas Frères, Bernard Faurie, Paul Jaboulet Ainé and Marc Sorrel enjoy a special reputation. The cuvées Le Pavillon (from Les Bessards) by Châpoutier and La Chapelle (from Les Bessards and Le Méal) by Jaboulet Ainé have each received the maximum rating of 100 points from Robert Parker several times.