French Syrah
The spiritual home of Syrah in the Northern Rhône Valley
The Birthplace of Syrah
The Northern Rhône Valley in France is the ancestral home of Syrah. As Jancis Robinson MW writes: "The steep granite hillsides of Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie have been producing some of the world's most celebrated wines since Roman times."
"Hermitage is one of the most famous wines of France, and Syrah's greatest expression in its homeland produces wines of extraordinary depth, complexity, and ageability." — Hugh Johnson & Jancis Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine
Northern Rhône Wine Map
The Northern Rhône stretches from Vienne to Valence along the river. Click markers to explore appellations.
Northern Rhône Appellations
🍇 Hermitage
The legendary hill of Hermitage produces deeply coloured, powerful wines capable of aging for decades. The appellation allows up to 15% white grapes but many producers use 100% Syrah.
Domaines to Visit
M. Chapoutier
Le Méal, L'Ermite, Le Pavillon single-vineyard wines
📍 18 Avenue Dr Paul Durand, 26600 Tain-l'Hermitage
🕐 Daily, booking recommended
Cave de Tain
Cooperative with excellent Hermitage selections
📍 22 Route de Larnage, 26600 Tain-l'Hermitage
🕐 Mon-Sat 9am-12:30pm, 2pm-7pm
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave
Family-owned since 1481, by appointment only
📍 37 Avenue du Saint-Joseph, 07300 Mauves
📞 Private visits by appointment only
🌐 No public website - contact through wine merchants
⚠️ Very limited availability
🍇 Côte-Rôtie
"Roasted slope" - the northern extreme of Syrah. Uniquely allows up to 20% Viognier co-fermented. Divided into Côte Brune (structured) and Côte Blonde (perfumed).
Domaines to Visit
E. Guigal
La Mouline, La Landonne, La Turque - the legendary "La La" wines
Domaine Stéphane Ogier
Rising star, beautiful single-vineyard wines
🍇 Cornas
The only Northern Rhône appellation mandating 100% Syrah. Produces the most virile, powerful expressions with tremendous aging potential.
Domaines to Visit
Domaine Auguste Clape
The benchmark for Cornas, now run by Olivier Clape
Domaine Alain Voge
Vieilles Vignes, Les Vieilles Fontaines
📍 4 Impasse de l'Équerre, 07130 Cornas
🕐 Mon-Sat by appointment
🍇 Saint-Joseph
Stretches 60km along the right bank. More accessible, earlier-drinking Syrah than Hermitage, though best sites produce serious wines.
Domaines to Visit
Domaine Yves Cuilleron
Respected producer across multiple appellations
📍 58 Route Nationale 86, 42410 Chavanay
🕐 Mon-Sat 9am-12pm, 2pm-6pm
🍇 Crozes-Hermitage
The largest Northern Rhône appellation surrounding Hermitage. Quality varies from simple to serious.
Domaines to Visit
Domaine Alain Graillot
La Guiraude, benchmark Crozes producer
Visiting the Northern Rhône
🚗 Getting There
Lyon airport (1hr drive). TGV to Valence or Vienne. Car essential for vineyard visits.
📅 Best Time
April-October. Harvest (Sept) is exciting but producers are busy. Spring offers beautiful hillsides.
📞 Book Ahead
Most domaines require appointments. Contact weeks in advance, especially for famous producers.
🏨 Where to Stay
Tain-l'Hermitage is central. Valence has more hotels. Consider Vienne for Côte-Rôtie visits.