DOMAINE JEAN LOUIS CHAVE
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave is a prestigious winery located in the northern Rhône Valley of France, renowned for producing some of the finest Hermitage and Saint-Joseph wines. The Chave family has an unbroken winemaking heritage that dates back to 1481, making it one of the oldest wine-producing families in the Rhône. Their viticultural journey began in the Saint-Joseph area, and in 1865 they acquired vineyards on the revered Hermitage hill, a move that significantly enhanced their reputation. The estate is currently overseen by Jean-Louis Chave, the 16th generation of the family, who continues to uphold their legacy of excellence and respect for tradition.
The domaine’s vineyards span approximately 21 hectares across esteemed sites on the Hermitage hill, such as Les Bessards, L’Hermite, Rocoules, and Méal. These diverse terroirs allow Chave to craft highly complex and balanced wines through a meticulous blending process that has become a hallmark of the estate. The winery adheres to traditional winemaking techniques, including organic vineyard practices and minimal intervention in the cellar, ensuring that the wines authentically express their origin.
Among the wines produced by Domaine Jean-Louis Chave, the Hermitage Rouge is the flagship—a powerful, age-worthy Syrah that reflects the complexity of the hill’s varied soils. The Hermitage Blanc, made from Marsanne and Roussanne, is equally celebrated for its rich texture and depth. Another standout is the Cuvée Cathelin, an ultra-rare red wine released only in the finest vintages and highly sought after by collectors. The domaine also honors its roots with a Saint-Joseph wine, showcasing the elegance and minerality of the original Chave holdings.
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave enjoys international acclaim and is widely considered a benchmark producer in the Rhône Valley.