Jean Louis Chave

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave, often referred to as the "Pope of Hermitage," hails from the quaint village of Mauves, situated just south of Hermitage in the northern Rhône. Renowned for their traditionally crafted wines, Chave's offerings are deemed the "top of the hierarchy" according to Jeb Dunnuck, capturing the essence of Hermitage. The Chave family possesses plots in all seven lieux-dits (special plots) on the iconic Hermitage hill, a strategic ownership enabling the creation of wines characterized by remarkable complexity and finesse. Established in 1481, Domaine Chave has been graced with an "incredible succession of talented vignerons" throughout its storied history, as noted by Jeb Dunnuck. Gérard Chave managed the estate until his succession by son Jean-Louis Chave. Grounded in tradition yet forward-thinking, the domaine recently completed a new cellar equipped with a state-of-the-art lab. Vinification takes place in three large oak upright casks, followed by aging in small French oak barrels, typically ranging from 20-30% new oak. The wines undergo blending in tanks and are bottled without filtration. In some instances, a light egg-white fining may precede bottling, showcasing the estate's commitment to producing exceptional wines.