Jean-Louis Chave : Hermitage Domaine 2022

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Hermitage Domaine 2022 by Jean-Louis Chave

Tasting notes

Colour
A deep, opaque purple hue reveals itself in the glass.

Nose
Wonderfully complex, the nose reveals floral aromas of orange blossom and violet, mingled with notes of black cherry compote. With aeration, subtle touches of smoke, liquorice, black pepper and spice unfold, underscored by a minerality reminiscent of granite and hints of fresh thyme.

Palate
The attack is full and deep, offering remarkable concentration balanced by a lovely freshness. The palate is seductive in its elegance, supported by fine yet firm tannins, leading to a lingering finish.

Food and wine pairing

This red wine pairs wonderfully with roasted or braised lamb, game meats such as venison or duck, as well as grilled beef cuts. It will also beautifully complement dishes featuring mushrooms, truffles or black olives.

Service and storage

For optimal tasting, this wine is best served at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. It can be enjoyed young but will continue to evolve favourably, drinking well until around 2045.

The complexity and elegance of a great Hermitage wine

The estate

The family's history begins in 1481 with the acquisition of a first plot. Located in Mauves, in the Rhône Valley, the estate now spans nearly 30 hectares. Representing the sixteenth generation, Jean-Louis Chave leads the estate and carries on an ancestral know-how. Certified organic since 2019, the estate stands out for its respectful approach to terroir and its meticulous parcel-by-parcel winemaking, elevating its cuvées among the most prestigious in France.

The vineyard

The vineyard dedicated to this cuvée spans 14.5 hectares within the Hermitage appellation. It comprises eight distinct plots, including the renowned terroirs of Les Bessards, Le Méal and L'Ermite. Facing south and east, these steep vineyards rest on a mosaic of granite, limestone and clay soils. Cultivation is carried out sustainably, with late harvests and constant upkeep of the traditional dry-stone walls.

The vintage

2022 was marked by extreme weather conditions, with intense heat and pronounced drought during June, July and August. Temperatures reached 40°C as early as the start of summer. These conditions affected the terroirs unevenly, sometimes halting ripening on the granite soils while promoting sugar concentration on the clay plots.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes are fully destemmed before parcel-by-parcel vinification. Fermentation takes place naturally through indigenous yeasts, in stainless steel tanks and wooden vats. The wine is then aged in barrels for approximately thirty months. The final blend is carefully crafted, and bottling is carried out using an innovative siphon system to preserve all the wine's delicacy.

Grape variety

Syrah (100%)