Both red and white Hermitage wines are long-lived and full-bodied.

The red wines, which may be aged for 30 years or more, are often produced exclusively from Syrah, tough regulations permit up to 15 percent of the white grape varieties Marsanne and Roussanne. They are known for their robustness and rich aromas of leather, coffee and red berries.

The whites are less famous than the reds, but do account for about one third of AOC Hermitage's annual production. They can usually be cellared for about 15 years, have aromas of honeysuckle, tropical fruit and earthy minerals. They are made predominantly from Marsanne, with limited use of Roussanne.

Hermitage also produces "vins de paille" (straw wines) – sweet white wines made from Marsanne and Roussanne grapes that have been dried out in the sun on straw mats. These wines are expensive because of the labor-intensive processes required to create them, but they are also rich, full flavored and very long-lived. Produced only in warmer years, Hermitage vins de paille are strictly forbidden to undergo chaptalization at any time.