Domaine Jean Louis Chave

The domain eschews single-vineyard expressions, instead producing a pared-back range of wines – a Hermitage, a Hermitage Blanc and a Saint-Joseph – which reveal Jean-Louis’ expertise in blending from his various terroirs. In special vintages, an Hermitage cuvée called Ermitage Cuvée Cathelin is also produced. The domain boasts 15ha of vineyards in the prized Northern Rhône appellation of Hermitage, including such prestigious climats as Les Bessards, Le Méal, Les Roucoules and L’Hermite.

The formula for Chave’s success combines a respect for nature and a respect for tradition: meticulous organic farming, harvesting at full ripeness, with minimal intervention in the cellar. The domain’s Hermitage Rouge is a stunning amalgam of the family’s prized Syrah vineyard parcels, a wine of haunting aromatics, heady spiced fruits, granitic minerality and profound ageability. Chave Hermitage Blanc is a blend of about 85% Marsanne and 15% Roussanne from vineyards in nine of the 18 climats of Hermitage. Chave’s St-Joseph, meanwhile, is a Syrah from the domain’s best south-facing vineyards in the historic heart of the appellation.