Domaine Jean Louis Chave is one of the greatest estates on the Hermitage Hill, crafting stellar Rouge and Blanc wines from a multitude of plots. While most estates have seen changes in ownership and practices over time, the Chave family proudly continues their legacy, now managed by the 16th generation. This remarkable continuity spans over 500 years, making Jean Louis Chave a true icon of Hermitage.
Jean Louis Chave: A Legacy of Family Winemaking
The Chave family's winemaking heritage dates back to 1481, when the family farmed and grew grapes in Hermitage. At this time, only the aristocracy could own land; therefore, the family did not acquire any vineyards until 1865, as many aristocrats fled the region due to the ongoing phylloxera outbreak.
Today, the esteemed domaine is under the expert guidance of 16th-generation winemaker Jean-Louis Chave. After completing his oenology degree at UC Davis, Jean-Louis learned the nuances of his family's winemaking practice and joined his father, Gerard, in 1992. By age 25, he restored a collection of abandoned terraced vineyards on St. Joseph's rugged terrain, showcasing his unwavering passion for his craft. Under his guidance, Domaine Jean-Louis Chave now owns 14.5 hectares of land, becoming one of the largest landowners in all of the Rhone, accompanying giants like M. Chapoutier and Domaine Paul Jaboulet Aine.
"We do not make Syrah, we make Hermitage" — Jean-Louis Chave
Chave Hermitage: Terroir and Vineyard
Chave Hermitage owns eight different plots across 14.5 hectares, with vines averaging 30 to 60 years old. The sites comprise Syrah, Marsanne, and Roussanne, which are used in the Chave Hermitage Rouge, Chave Hermitage Blanc, and Cuvèe Cathelin bottles. Each plot contains a unique soil composition, ranging from granite, clay, limestone, and sandstone.
Jean Louis Chave Hermitage: Crafting the Finest Syrah
The winemaking process at Domaine Jean-Louis Chave is meticulous. Each parcel is vinified and aged separately before blending, with partial destemming, and occasionally up to 50% of stems are retained during ripe years. After fermentation, the wines rest in 228-liter oak barrels for approximately 18 months, with about 10% new oak in each vintage. The final cuvee is allowed to rest for 60 to 90 days before bottling.
Jean-Louis Chave ardently advocates aging his wines before consumption. For those seeking the full expression of Chave's craftsmanship, he recommends a minimum of 15 years of bottle aging. This extended period allows the wines to develop into the critically acclaimed masterpieces they are known for, displaying purity of fruit, elegance, power, and finesse.
Domain Jean Louis Chave: Rouge and Blanc Wines
"Jean-Louis remains one of the most humble and straightforward winemakers out there, and his wines deserve a place in any wine lover’s cellar." — Robert Parker
Chave Hermitage is regularly regarded as one of the Rhone's greatest domaines, producing three flagship labels: Chave Hermitage Rouge, Chave Hermitage Blanc, and the ultra-rare Cuvèe Cathelin.
Chave Hermitage Blanc
Chave Hermitage Blanc comprises around 80% Roussanne and 20% Marsanne. The fruit is harvested from near-century-old vines on the Peleat monopole, giving the final cuvèe a full-bodied, concentrated mouthfeel. Only 1,000 cases are produced annually, making the Hermitage Blanc a coveted bottle in recent vintages.
Chave Hermitage Rouge
Chave Hermitage Rouge is the domaine's flagship wine, a 100% Syrah blended from Bessards, Peleat, and l’Ermite fruit. These wines have gained a reputation as one of France's most age-worthy bottles and feature a rich and decadent profile, complete with a vibrant peppery finish. Only 2,000 to 2,500 cases are produced each vintage, making Chavbe Hermitage Rouge a highly prized bottle for collectors.
Cuvèe Cathelin
Cuvèe Cathelin was first produced in 1990 as an ultra-rare blend from various parcels. The composition is never the same as the Chave Hermitage Rouge, and the wine is only produced in special vintages. Its origins begin when Gerard Chave's friend, Bernard Cathelin, wished to paint a label for Chave's newest vintage. Rather than changing the traditional label, Gerard Chave used the artwork for the special cuvèe and released a maximum of 200 bottles. Because of the extremely limited production, Cuvèe Cathelin has become one of the Rhone's rarest bottles, and only nine total vintages have been produced.
Add Jean Louis Chave To Your Cellar
Chave Hermitage is the mark of a savvy connoisseur, providing your cellar with one of the Rhone's greatest wines and most heralded heritages. These extraordinary cuvèes are excellent choices for Rhone lovers and drinkers looking to expand their palates. Browse our collection of Chave Hermitage and secure your bottle(s) today.
Where is Domaine Jean-Louis Chave located?
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave is located in Hermitage, in the Northern Rhone. The domaine holds almost 15 hectares of land across the region.
What is Chave Hermitage best known for?
Chave Hermitage is best known for its Rouge (or Syrah), Blanc (Roussanne and Marsanne), and special Cuvèe Cathelin. All bottles are blended from multiple parcels and are regarded as one of the best Hermitage wines.
Why is Chave Hermitage considered so collectible?
Chave Hermitage is considered collectible due to the limited production, exceptional taste, and consistent praise from critics. Bottles are regularly regarded among the best Syrahs in the worl,d and production numbers cap at 2,000 cases each vintage.
Does Jean-Louis Chave make wines outside of the Rhone?
Yes, Jean-Louis Chave makes select bottles outside of the Rhone, in appellations such as St. Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage.
What is the best vintage of Chave Hermitage?
The best vintages of Chave Hermitage include: 1978, 1982, 1983, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1995, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021.
