Which are the best Crozes-Hermitage estates?

It's very difficult to come up with a list of the best estates in an appellation without frustrating or upsetting wine lovers who will prefer this or that winemaker. Here, then, is a short list (in no particular order), because the list of the best winegrowers on theCrozes-Hermitage appellation could be much longer. Some winemakers are very good at producing Crozes-Hermitage with power, character and very long ageing potential. Others will succeed in extracting a roundness and velvety smoothness of great interest. So many differences that it's impossible to classify.

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?  The appellation is located in the Drôme department, in the Rhône Valley wine-growing region, and more precisely in the northern Rhône Valley. The 1,650 hectares of vines are located on the right bank of the Rhône. 90 % of the wines are red, with Syrah as the sole grape variety. The remaining 10 % are white, with Roussanne or Marsanne as the grape variety. Crozes-Hermitage wines are highly appreciated by wine-lovers for their aromatic complexity, power and value for money. As a general rule, the appellation's red wines are supple and round, with notes of spice, pepper and red fruit. White wines are dry and fresh, and can vary according to their blend. Wines with a majority of Marsanne will often be tauter, with a beautiful minerality, while Roussanne-based wines will be fatter, rounder, with notes of white fruit and juicy fruit.

Guide to the great estates of AOC Crozes Hermitage

• Domaine Combier, Le Clos des Grives

A family history that dates back to 1936. The estate gradually expanded to become one of the largest winegrowing estates in the Rhône.

   

• Paul Aîné Jaboulet

The first traces of the estate date back to the 1830s. Several generations succeeded one another in acquiring the finest plots in the region. Now in the hands of the Frey group, the estate continues to respect the terroir. 

• Alain Graillot

The estate is fairly recent, having been created in the 1980s, but it is thanks to its "La Guiraude" cuvée that the appellation has gained its letters of nobility.

• Domaine Gilles Robin

4^ème generation of wine enthusiasts, Gilles took over the domaine at the age of 24. From rising star to household name, Gilles Robin makes balanced, pure wines. 

• David Reynaud - Domaine Les Bruyères

David Reynaud runs the 27-hectare biodynamic estate in the heart of Crozes-Hermitage. Loving and passionate, his wines are waiting to be discovered.  

• Domaine Dard et Ribo 

It's the beautiful story of 2 high school buddies who want to work together. He started with one hectare of vines to get his hands dirty. Today, with 9 hectares, he produces fine, delicate red wines that respect nature.  

• François Villard

Trained as a chef, François Villard developed a passion for wine in his twenties. He decided to resume his studies in viticulture. In 1989, he opened his own winery, with great success. 

• Michel Chapoutier

Michel Chapoutier is a wine merchant, but also owns some magnificent plots in Crozes-Hermitage. A hard worker, his finest plots are certified AB or DEMETER.

So yes, ihere are so many names we didn't mention in this article. These are some of the finest winemakers we have on our site, or not, for that matter, and they deserve to be on this list just as much as the other estates.

 

?  Looking for bottles of great Rhône wines? Find all the finest references from this prestigious area on Comptoir des Millésimes. Our partner winemakers' wines are shipped directly to our cellar after bottling at their estates. Each year, the winemakers reserve an allocation of their wine cases for us. So don't hesitate to set up an email alert (in the My Alerts section) to be the first to know about the latest arrivals that interest you.

 

Our superb Crozes Hermitage wines in stock

? Find all our superb wines in stock on the site. Our wine merchant selects only the finest estates in France, from each of the prestigious wine-growing regions. We store our wines in a 100% cellar, with controlled hygrometry and regulated temperature. Our policy is to keep delivery costs to a minimum for our customers: wines are available immediately upon purchase, and delivery takes place within 24 hours for €7 at a relay point and €10 at home. We also offer free delivery for purchases over €500! 

 

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• What to serve with a Crozes Hermitage wine?