A terroir shaped by contrast, and two wines that capture its balance
Some appellations carry an immediate sense of Terroir. Crozes-Hermitage is one of them — a landscape where the structure and intensity of the Northern Rhône meet a more open, generous expression.
We are fortunate to work with Domaine Vendome, a producer whose wines reflect this balance with clarity. Through their cuvées, it becomes easy to understand what makes Crozes-Hermitage both distinctive and so approachable.
A terroir of contrasts
Crozes-Hermitage surrounds the famous hill of Hermitage, extending across a much broader and more varied landscape. This diversity is essential to its identity. To the north, the soils are more granitic, closer in style to Hermitage itself, bringing structure and minerality. Further south, the terrain opens into flatter areas with alluvial soils, offering a softer, more fruit-driven expression.
The climate is equally influential. Warm, dry summers allow the grapes to ripen fully, while the Mistral wind keeps the vineyards healthy and preserves freshness. The result is a style that combines ripeness with balance — wines that are expressive without losing their sense of precision.
Syrah and Marsanne – the voice of the appellation
Crozes-Hermitage is defined by two grape varieties, each playing a distinct role.
For reds, Syrah is the sole grape. Here, it tends to show a slightly more open and accessible side than in the more structured appellations nearby. Dark fruit, gentle spice, and a touch of pepper come together with smooth tannins and a freshness that keeps everything in balance.
For whites, the appellation relies primarily on Marsanne (often with some Roussanne). These wines are more discreet aromatically but develop texture and depth over time, with notes of stone fruit, almond, and a subtle floral character.
Together, they define the style of Crozes-Hermitage: wines that are rooted in the Northern Rhône, yet approachable and expressive from a relatively young age.
Domaine Vendome – a quiet precision
At Domaine Vendome, the approach is guided by restraint and attention to detail. There is no attempt to overwork the wines; instead, the focus is on allowing the terroir to come through as clearly as possible.
This results in wines that feel balanced and composed, where fruit, structure, and freshness all find their place. It is a style that does not seek to impress through power, but rather through clarity and consistency — something that becomes evident across their range.
Two wines, one identity
The two cuvées we offer from Domaine Vendome illustrate this beautifully, each expressing a different side of the appellation.
The Crozes-Hermitage Blanc “Les Bruclas” 2024 is a wine of subtlety and texture. Built around Marsanne, it shows gentle notes of ripe orchard fruit, soft florals, and a rounded, almost silky mouthfeel. There is a quiet depth to it, balanced by a freshness that keeps it lively and precise. It is a wine that reveals itself gradually, rewarding attention without ever feeling heavy.
The Crozes-Hermitage Rouge “Les Coulaires” 2024, made from Syrah, offers a more immediate expression. It opens on dark berries and a hint of spice, with a supple structure that makes it accessible while still carrying the character of the region. There is a natural ease to the wine, but also enough depth to give it presence and length.
A balanced expression of the Northern Rhône
What makes Crozes-Hermitage so appealing is precisely this balance. It captures the essence of the Northern Rhône — its grape varieties, its structure, its sense of place — while offering a more open and approachable interpretation.
Through the wines of Domaine Vendome, this identity becomes clear. They provide a straightforward yet nuanced introduction to the appellation, showing both its accessibility and its depth.
A natural introduction — and much more
Crozes-Hermitage is often seen as an entry point into the Northern Rhône, but wines like these remind us that it is much more than that. It is an appellation with its own voice, shaped by diversity and defined by balance.
With “Les Bruclas” 2024 and “Les Coulaires” 2024, Domaine Vendome offers two complementary expressions of that voice — wines that are easy to enjoy, yet rooted in something deeper.
They are, in the end, a simple and compelling way to experience what Crozes-Hermitage is all about.
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