The Northern Rhône, Part 2: Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage & Cornas

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Episode Overview

Hello, and welcome to the Wine Educate Podcast! This is Episode 83, and I'm your host, Joanne Close.

Today we're continuing our Northern Rhône series and diving into the middle and southern parts of the Northern Rhône—covering Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, and Cornas.

It's late October here in New Orleans, and after a long hot stretch, it's finally cooling off just enough to think about sweaters—perfect weather to talk about Syrah and the Rhône Valley!

Key Takeaways Saint-Joseph

• Stretches roughly 37 miles with diverse terrain and microclimates.

• Awarded AOC status in 1956 and is the second-largest appellation in the Northern Rhône (about 1,370 hectares).

• Produces predominantly red wines (84%) from Syrah, with some white blends of Marsanne and Roussanne.

• Though up to 10% white grapes can be co-fermented with Syrah, this is rarely practiced.

Hermitage

• The historic "crown jewel" of the Northern Rhône—tiny, just 138 hectares, but world-renowned.

• Recognized as an AOC in 1936 and represents only 4% of Northern Rhône plantings.

• Known for its single hillside divided into 20 distinct areas called lieux-dits, many nicknamed "La-Las."

• Produces incredibly age-worthy Syrah wines (20–50 years) and remarkable white Marsanne–Roussanne blends that are among the longest-lived dry whites in the world.

• Stay tuned—Hermitage deserves its own full episode soon.

Pro Tip: Don't overlook the white wines of the Northern Rhône! Marsanne and Roussanne blends are often beautifully complex and well-priced.

Crozes-Hermitage

• The largest AOC in the Northern Rhône (est. 1937), accounting for about 41% of production.

• Surrounds Hermitage but covers a much wider range of terroirs, leading to variable quality.

• Mostly red wines (Syrah) with a small amount of whites.

• Technically can include up to 15% Marsanne and Roussanne, though in practice this is rarely done.

• A great region for excellent-value Rhône Syrah—ask your local wine shop for recommendations.

Cornas

• AOC since 1938, and only 155 hectares—small but mighty.

• The name Cornas comes from the Celtic term for "burnt earth," referencing the south-facing granite slopes that trap heat and create a warm microclimate.

• Produces 100% Syrah—powerful, full-bodied reds that reflect their sun-drenched terroir.

• Locals call it an "island of the South in the North."

Study Notes

If you're studying for WSET Level 2 or 3, these regions build on one another:

• Remember that Syrah is the only permitted red grape in the Northern Rhône.

• Marsanne and Roussanne are the two key white grapes replacing Viognier as we move south.

• Co-fermentation is allowed in several appellations but rarely practiced today.

Wine Educate Updates

I'm currently working on a WSET Level 3 Membership, which will include deeper dives into specific appellations and winemaking techniques—Hermitage will definitely be featured!

If you're interested, make sure you're on the newsletter list. If you've had trouble signing up, just email me directly at [email protected]—I respond personally.

Closing Thoughts

We've now wrapped up the Northern Rhône. Yes, there are a few tiny AOCs we didn't cover, but those aren't emphasized in the WSET Level 2 or 3 materials.

The goal here is to add texture and depth to your study, helping you understand the context behind the textbook facts without getting lost in the weeds.

As we head into Halloween weekend, enjoy the cooler weather and maybe open a bottle of Rhône Syrah. My daughter is dressing up as the evil Tooth Fairy, and I'll be crafting about a hundred bloody teeth—so wish me luck!

Next week, we head south to explore the Southern Rhône.

Happy studying, and cheers until next time!