Hermitage
Definition - What does Hermitage mean?
Hermitage is a French wine appellation. This appellation covers the northern Rhône wine region of France, which is a small hillside. Although its white wine is highly regarded, the region's true appeal comes from the red wine produced using the syrah grape. Hermitage manages this exclusivity by only creating 60,000 cases every year, making their fine wines high demand due to its exclusivity. Hermitage has managed to continue its legacy of making the highest quality wines for over 4 centuries – producing liquor comparable to the best cases of wine you can find.
WineFrog explains Hermitage
While many appellations have attempted to recreate the wine Hermitage produces, none have successfully achieved this feat. The uniqueness of Hermitage is marked by their years of wine making refinement and the harmonious relationship between the soil and the natural conditions in the region. Shielding from northern winds, plenty of exposure to the sun, and a touch of Mediterranean influence, contribute towards the vineyard.
Hermitage’s wines take 15 to 20 years to flower the right taste, and it can go on developing for decades, only getting better with age. The topography and wine making method of these wines results in richly, earthy and fruity flavors that only smoothen with age. Hermitage vineyards are on granite hillsides that are south facing which provides the vineyard with ample sunlight. Also, their top soil structure is different from the typical valley soil and includes a sandy west, rocky higher areas and limestone around the centers. As a result, the versatility of Hermitage vineyards adds to the quality of their wine and their exclusivity translates through their expensive price tags.
