Crozes-Hermitage: Dynamics in the Heart of the Northern Rhône

In the Drôme, a land of lavender fields and olive trees, lie the vineyards of Crozes-Hermitage. This is the largest appellation of the northern Rhône Valley, the kingdom of Syrah. Unlike the famous terraced vineyards of Hermitage that surround the appellation, the grape here primarily produces accessible quality wines that are ready to drink and available at a fraction of the price. In recent years, the wine region has seen significant growth.

NORTH VS. SOUTH
The Rhône Valley spans six sun-soaked French departments (Ardèche, Drôme, Gard, Loire, Rhône, and Vaucluse) and, with no less than 31 appellations spread across 171 municipalities and 80,000 hectares, it is the second-largest AOC vineyard in France. It is rich in history and beauty. The Greeks cultivated grapes here as early as ancient times, but it wasn’t until 1937 that the area became one of the first protected designations of origin in the country. Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy breathtaking rides through hills covered with vineyards, charming villages, and the rugged river that serves as a lifeline flowing through the northern and southern Rhône—two very distinct subregions.

Read the full article, published in the autumn issue of Family Owned, the wine magazine of Kwast Wijnkopers, here: Pages 50-53 from FAMILY OWNED NAJAAR 2024-2 (1)