Rhône, France
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave
Est. 1481
About the Estate
The Chave family has been making wine on the Hermitage hill since 1481, 16 generations in an unbroken line. That alone makes them extraordinary, but the wines justify the history. Originally based in the village of Lemps (Saint-Joseph appellation), the family acquired prime vineyards on Hermitage itself by the late 19th century. Gérard Chave built the domaine's reputation through the mid-20th century, insisting on traditional methods while many others industrialised. His son Jean-Louis joined in 1992 and now directs the estate. There is no special cuvée, no luxury bottling. The Chaves blend all their Hermitage parcels into one red and one white, a practice that reflects their view of Hermitage as one great wine rather than a collection of vineyard names. They also produce a small amount of Saint-Joseph from granite-based vineyards in the historic villages of Tournon, Mauves and St-Jean-de-Muzols.
Grape Varieties
Syrah, Marsanne, Roussanne
Heritage & Milestones
A journey through time, celebrating the moments that defined our legacy
Five Centuries of Winemaking
The Chave family begins growing vines and making wine in 1481, an unbroken lineage of vignerons that now spans over 500 years.
Establishing on Hermitage Hill
In 1865, the Chave family purchases its first parcels on the Hermitage hill, moving the heart of their wine production there after phylloxera devastated surrounding vineyards.
Sixteenth Generation Leadership
Jean-Louis Chave joins his father Gérard at the domaine in 1992 (after studying oenology in California), later becoming the 16th generation to steward the family's Hermitage vineyards.
Five Centuries of Winemaking
The Chave family begins growing vines and making wine in 1481, an unbroken lineage of vignerons that now spans over 500 years.
Establishing on Hermitage Hill
In 1865, the Chave family purchases its first parcels on the Hermitage hill, moving the heart of their wine production there after phylloxera devastated surrounding vineyards.
Sixteenth Generation Leadership
Jean-Louis Chave joins his father Gérard at the domaine in 1992 (after studying oenology in California), later becoming the 16th generation to steward the family's Hermitage vineyards.
Vineyard Location
Rhône, France
Terroir
Approximately 15 hectares on the Hermitage hill, spread across almost every major lieu-dit (climat). The diversity of expositions and soils (granite, loess, clay, limestone) across these parcels is what gives the final blend its complexity. Each parcel is vinified separately and then assembled. The estate also farms vineyards in Saint-Joseph on granite soils.
Available Wines
Discover our curated selection from Domaine Jean-Louis Chave
