Definition: Gores

This term, specific to the northern Rhône Valley, refers to highly degraded and crumbly granite soils in the Hermitage, St-Joseph and Cornas appellations. The "gores" tend to colonise the lower slopes, while hard granites occupy the upper slopes. These dark soils store heat; they are permeable, allowing excess water to drain away; and they are poor, preventing the Syrah grape from producing too much.

Combined with the steep slopes of these regions, they promote slow but thorough ripening of the grape variety, producing wines that are both mature and finely aromatic. Under these conditions, the powerful tannins of Syrah take on a beautiful smoothness. A perfect illustration of the legendary pairing of granite and Syrah.