Crozes-Hermitage 2009

Located on the Left Bank of the Rhône around twenty kilometres to the north of Valence, Crozes Hermitage is the longest vineyard in the northern Rhône Valley. It stretches across 11 municipalities located in the Drôme (26).

To the north of the appellation, the vines are located on granitic hillside slopes (land similar to the Hermitage), enjoying a south-facing position regularly frequented by the Mistral wind. To the south, the soil is comprised of fluvio-glacial alluviums and terraces of rolled pebbles from the Rhône or loess. This agricultural area dates back to the Roman era (and maybe even the Ancient Greek period). Wine-growing developed in the south of the appellation during the twentieth century, to the detriment of fruit-growing.

This appellation produces aromatic, fruit-packed wines. Less heavy-hitting (and much more wallet-friendly!) than Hermitage wines, they can be enjoyed from a younger age.