Domaine Jean-Louis Chave
Mauves-based family domaine, widely regarded as the benchmark for traditional blended Hermitage Rouge and Blanc.
About Domaine
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave is among the most revered estates of the Northern Rhône, with a family winegrowing lineage that the label dates to 1481—nearly five centuries 'de père en fils.' The family moved onto the hill of Hermitage in the 19th century, and over generations became celebrated for crafting Hermitage by blending fruit from across the appellation's diverse lieux-dits rather than bottling single sites. The domaine, based in Mauves, is run today by Jean-Louis Chave, the 16th generation, who joined his father Gérard in 1992 after studying oenology at UC Davis. Chave farms around 15 hectares on Hermitage—chiefly Syrah for the reds, plus Marsanne and Roussanne for one of the world's greatest white wines. In the very finest years a tiny quantity of the legendary Cuvée Cathelin is produced. Chave also makes acclaimed Saint-Joseph. The wines are profound, age-worthy, and benchmarks of terroir expression.
Flagship wines
- Hermitage Rouge
- Hermitage Blanc
- Hermitage Cuvée Cathelin
- Saint-Joseph Rouge
Editorial notes
Hermitage Rouge and Blanc are exceptionally long-lived; reward patient cellaring and decant young vintages to open the aromatics.