Domaine Jean-Louis Chave

History

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave has a rich history dating back to 1481 when the family was granted land in what is now the Saint-Joseph appellation by local knights. Over time, the Chaves expanded their holdings to include the Hill of Hermitage, one of the best terroirs along the Rhone River. The domaine has been passed down through generations, with each family member contributing to its reputation. Gerard Chave, Jean-Louis's father, significantly enhanced the domaine's international reputation from the 1950s to the 1990s. In 1992, Jean-Louis took over the domaine after completing his studies at UC Davis, focusing on diversifying and replanting vineyards, including the Bachasson hillside in Saint-Joseph and the Clos Florentin vineyard. This dedication has solidified Domaine Jean-Louis Chave as a pillar of excellence in the northern Rhone Valley, producing world-class Syrah and Marsanne-Roussanne wines.

Terroir

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave is situated in the northern Rhone Valley, specifically in the Hermitage and Saint-Joseph appellations. The estate's terroir is characterized by a diverse mosaic of vineyard parcels spread across 9 out of the 18 total "lieux-dits" of Hermitage. These parcels include some of the best terroirs, such as Le Meal and Baumes, which are home to 60-year-old Syrah vines. The vineyards are cultivated organically, favoring low yields and full ripeness, with minimal intervention in the winemaking process.

The terroir of Hermitage is marked by rich clay and limestone soils, as well as steep, granitic slopes in the Bessards Vineyard. This unique combination contributes to the complexity and balance of the Syrah-based red wines. For the white wines, the estate relies on old vine Marsanne from the Peleat monopole vineyard, with a small percentage of Roussanne added to complete the blend. The rich, age-worthy Marsanne-Roussanne whites are a testament to the estate's ability to capture the essence of these legendary terroirs.