Crozes-Hermitage. The Hidden Gem of the Rhône Valley, France
Crozes-Hermitage, nestled in the northern Rhône Valley of France, is a historic yet often overlooked wine region. Known for its diverse terroir, this appellation produces both red and white wines that offer exceptional quality without the hefty price tag of neighboring areas like Hermitage or Côte-Rôtie. Crozes-Hermitage red wines, primarily made from Syrah, display classic characteristics such as black fruit, peppery spice, and floral notes. The white wines, crafted from Marsanne and Roussanne, are enjoyed for their creamy texture and flavors of white flowers, stone fruits, and honey.
The region’s winemaking tradition dates back to Roman times, with Syrah believed to have ancient Mediterranean roots. During the Middle Ages, monasteries helped preserve viticulture, and by the 19th century, Crozes-Hermitage gained recognition as a more affordable alternative to Hermitage wines which were favored by royalty. After the devastation of the phylloxera epidemic, the vineyards were replanted, and the region experienced a resurgence in the 20th century. Crozes-Hermitage received AOC status in 1937, and white wines were added in the 1956 designation.
Today, modern winemakers emphasize terroir-driven wines, often using organic and sustainable practices. Despite its rich history, Crozes-Hermitage remains under the radar compared to more famous French wine regions like Bordeaux and Burgundy. It lacks a globally recognized “hero” wine and faces competition from regions like Australia’s Shiraz. Nonetheless, the wines’ versatility, food-friendliness, and value make Crozes-Hermitage a hidden gem deserving of greater attention.
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1.2022 Crozes-Hermitage Cuvée Christophe. Domaine des Remizières. Northern Rhône 100% Syrah
The Domaine des Remizières winery is located in the northern Rhône Valley of France, particularly known for its production of wines from the Crozes-Hermitage appellation. The estate has a rich history dating back to the 19th century; however, the modern iteration of the winery has been developed under the leadership of the Duclaux family.
The winery’s history dates back to the 1800s when the vineyards were originally established. The name “Remizières” refers to the location, known for its diverse terroir and proximity to the Hermitage hill. During the 20th century, the estate underwent significant expansion and modernization. The Duclaux family, which took over in the mid-1900s, played a crucial role in refining the wine production techniques and improved the quality of the wines. Under their stewardship, Domaine des Remizières became known for its attention to detail in the vineyard and cellar, and for producing wines with a unique sense of place.
Notes
The grapes are sourced from vines aged 65 to 70 y/o and planted in clay-limestone soils with gravelly slopes, a relatively rare terroir in the region. The wine undergoes meticulous vinification, followed by aging in French oak barrels, with a portion of new oak enhancing complexity and structure.
The eye is happy with a deep garnet color accented by ruby highlights. Expressive aromas of black cherry, cassis, and blackberry, complemented by notes of clove and earthy undertones delight the nose; look for black olives, graphite and a hint of smoke. Supple and expressive on the palate, this wine highlights flavors of ripe dark fruits, subtle spice, well-integrated oak and exhibits a harmonious balance with fine tannins and a lingering finish which is long and persistent. The pleasure is expanded by the lingering hints of dark fruit, spice, and a subtle smoky character.
The 2022 Cuvée Christophe Crozes-Hermitage is a highly complex wine that evolves with every sip. The layers of fruit, spice, earthy minerality, and oak influence creates a well-rounded profile reflecting the best qualities of Syrah from this appellation. Its balance, structure, and depth make it an exceptional wine, representing both the elegance and power of Northern Rhône.
2. Domaine Vendome. Les Bruclas Crozes Heritage 100% Syrah
The history of Domaine Vendôme is deeply intertwined with the evolution of winemaking in the northern Rhône Valley, particularly within the Crozes-Hermitage appellation. This estate is part of a long-standing winemaking tradition in the region, renowned for its Syrah-based red wines and Marsanne-Roussanne white blends. The winery’s name, Vendôme, may allude to the Rhône’s rich agricultural and winemaking heritage, though its precise origins remain unclear.
Domaine Vendôme places a strong emphasis on the unique terroirs of Crozes-Hermitage, where a combination of clay, limestone, and loess soils contributes to the complexity and character of its wines. Clay soils are known for their ability to retain water, providing a consistent supply of moisture to the vines even during dry periods. This ensures balanced vine growth and contributes to the rich, full-bodied structure often associated with Crozes-Hermitage wines.
Limestone soils, on the other hand, are celebrated for their ability to enhance acidity and minerality. These soils create wines that are fresh, vibrant, and capable of aging gracefully. The limestone also acts as a natural temperature regulator, reflecting heat during the day and retaining warmth into the night, fostering optimal grape ripening conditions.
Loess, a fine, windblown sediment, adds another layer of complexity. Its porous nature allows for excellent drainage, encouraging vines to develop deep root systems. This not only enhances the vine’s access to nutrients but also contributes to the expression of subtle nuances from the subsoil, creating wines with intricate flavor profiles and refined textures.
Together, these soil types create an ideal environment for Syrah, the predominant grape of Crozes-Hermitage, as well as the occasional Marsanne and Roussanne used in white blends. The synergy of these elements imbues the wines of Domaine Vendôme with a balance of power, elegance, and aromatic complexity, reflecting the essence of the appellation.
The estate is particularly known for sourcing grapes from two distinguished sites: L’Homme at Larnage and Les Pinets at Crozes-Hermitage. These vineyards are celebrated for their distinct profiles, producing wines that reflect the diversity of the appellation.
In recent years, Domaine Vendôme has embraced organic farming practices, underscoring its commitment to sustainability and quality. This shift is part of a broader movement among Rhône producers toward environmentally conscious viticulture.
Notes
The 2022 Domaine Vendôme Les Bruclas Crozes-Hermitage is a distinctive Syrah from the northern Rhône Valley, offering a unique expression of the Crozes-Hermitage AOC.
The wine presents a brilliant, deep ruby-red color, showcasing its youthful vibrancy and rich concentration. On the nose, the Les Bruclas opens with a fresh and expressive bouquet. Bright red fruit aromas of raspberry, cherry, and cranberry dominate, complemented by a subtle hint of blackberry. These are followed by more complex secondary aromas of pepper, olive tapenade, and a touch of smoked meat, reflecting the classic characteristics of Syrah. A delicate floral note, reminiscent of violet or lavender, adds to the aromatic complexity. The overall profile is fresh, inviting, and expressive, with a clear sense of terroir.
The wine is medium to full-bodied, with an excellent balance between fruit, acidity, and tannin structure. The fruit on the palate mirrors the nose, with vibrant red berries and hints of black fruit giving it both freshness and depth. The spice from the Syrah is present but not overwhelming, with white pepper and subtle herbal nuances adding complexity. A light touch of earthy minerality and leather suggests the influence of the region’s granitic soils. The tannins are smooth but provide a solid structure, while the acidity lifts the wine, giving it an appealing freshness and a long-lasting finish.
The finish is clean and balanced, with lingering red fruit flavors, a hint of pepper, and a savory edge. The wine leaves a pleasant aftertaste, combining the fruitiness with a touch of minerality and light spice.
