Domaine Jean-Louis Chave

Founded in 1481, Domaine Jean-Louis Chave represents 16 generations of uninterrupted family winemaking tradition in the northern Rhône. Based in Mauves, in the Saint-Joseph appellation, the Chave family has earned a reputation as one of France’s premier producers, crafting wines of unmatched purity, elegance, and power. Their legacy is built on exceptional attention to detail, biodynamic farming, and a commitment to blending, ensuring their wines express the full complexity of Hermitage’s terroir.

The Chave family owns 14.5 hectares (36 acres) of vineyard land on Hermitage Hill, one of the largest holdings in the appellation. These vineyards are meticulously maintained and span eight distinct plots, including the iconic Bessards and Méal sections. The Hermitage Rouge, based on Syrah, derives its backbone from the steep, granite soils of Bessards, while the Hermitage Blanc blends Marsanne and Roussanne, with its foundation coming from century-old Marsanne vines in the Péléat vineyard. Each parcel is vinified separately and aged up to 18 months in oak, with minimal new oak and no filtration, preserving the wine’s authenticity and character.

The family’s blending expertise is central to their philosophy, crafting wines that embody balance, harmony, and aging potential. Unlike many producers, the Chaves have never released single-vineyard Hermitages, instead focusing on the artistry of combining the unique expressions of their lieux-dits. Their flagship wines, the Hermitage Rouge and Blanc, are renowned for their longevity and finesse. In select vintages, the ultra-rare Cuvée Cathelin is released, representing an elevated expression of their Hermitage.

In addition to their iconic Hermitage wines, the Chaves produce a traditional and elegant Saint-Joseph Rouge and several wines under their négociant label, Jean-Louis Chave Sélection. The Sélection lineup offers approachable yet high-quality expressions of northern Rhône terroir, including the celebrated “Mon Coeur” Côtes-du-Rhône, named a Top Value by Wine Spectator in 2019.

The Chave family’s unwavering commitment to tradition, low yields, and biodynamic practices ensures their wines are not only a testament to their heritage but also a benchmark for the northern Rhône. As Andrew Jefford aptly described in The New France, the Chave family “could make a fair claim to be France’s winemaking royal family,” preserving and elevating the legacy of Hermitage and Rhône Valley winemaking.

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