In a region most consumers associate with small family domaines, the Cave de Tain is the big kid on the block. Founded in 1933 by Gambert de Loche and now comprising approximately 300 members, it accounts for roughly half the production of Crozes-Hermitage and itself owns some 22 hectares of Hermitage. It now has growers representing all of the appellations in the Northern Rhône and does an admirable job turning those grapes into wine at its huge facility in Tain l'Hermitage. With the lineup recently reorganized and streamlined, most appellations offer a primary wine, Nobles Rives, and one or more "selections parcellaires," which are meant to showcase a particular terroir.
