Domaine Jean-Louis Chave and the history of the Hermitage

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave is one of the classic names of the northern Rhône. The family has worked on the Hermitage hillside for generations, gradually building a mosaic of small plots. The estate is known for its meticulous vineyard management and traditional cellar style. Red and white Hermitage wines form the core of the range, with a clear focus on terroir expression and long aging.

The Chave family combines several lieux-dits on the hillside into a single Hermitage Blanc. This choice offers a complete expression of the appellation. The wine is intended for enthusiasts who are patient and seek wines that will continue to develop over time in the glass and cellar.

the terroir of Hermitage and the grapes for Hermitage Blanc

Hermitage lies on the right bank of the Rhône, opposite Tain-l'Hermitage. The slopes are steep and form south- and southeast-facing terraces. The soils consist of granite, calcareous rubble, and ancient alluvial layers. This combination gives tension, strength, and a distinct mineral note. The climate is continental with Mediterranean influences. Sunny days and cool nights ensure ripe grapes with plenty of freshness.

For Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc 2019, Marsanne and a smaller amount of Roussanne form the base. Marsanne provides structure, body, and aromas of stone fruit, honey, and nuts. Roussanne adds extra perfume, flowers, and refinement. Old vines on poor soils produce low yields and concentrated juice.

domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc 2019 in context

The 2019 vintage is known for being ripe and concentrated, yet with sufficient freshness thanks to good conditions in late summer and late summer. For the 2019 Hermitage Blanc, this results in a wine with considerable depth and remarkable tension. A reputable wine magazine praised the combination of intensity, length, and layering, awarding it a very high rating. The wine is mineral-driven, with a silky texture and plenty of future potential.

According to various tastings, Hermitage Blanc 2019 displays a classic profile. It's a wine that impresses even when young, but is primarily intended for extended aging in a cellar or wine cabinet, especially from a producer like Chave.

vineyards, harvest and vinification of Hermitage Blanc 2019

The grapes for Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc 2019 come from several plots on the hillside, including higher-lying areas with poor granite soil and lower areas with more clay and limestone. Harvesting is done entirely by hand, plot by plot, when the grapes are ripe but retain their tension.

After gentle pressing, the musts ferment in oak barrels, mostly used wood and a smaller portion new. Fermentation proceeds gently, with a focus on balancing alcohol, acidity, and structure. The wine then matures extensively on the lees. Regular stirring of the yeast layer adds texture without overpowering the character. The use of partially older barrels ensures that the wood remains subordinate to the fruit and terroir.

color, smell and taste of Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc 2019

The 2019 Hermitage Blanc is a light golden yellow with a deep sheen. The nose reveals aromas of ripe peach, apricot, quince, and white flowers. It also reveals notes of honey, almond, anise, and a light spicy note. Swirling reveals mineral notes reminiscent of wet stone and a hint of saltiness.

On the palate, the wine is full and concentrated. The attack is rich, with ripe stone fruit and subtle citrus. The texture is creamy, yet the fresh acidity keeps the wine taut and balanced. The mid-palate reveals notes of dried herbs, almond, beeswax, and a light smoky note thanks to the soil and aging. The finish is long, with a combination of fruit, spices, and mineral tension. The high international press rating perfectly reflects this tasting profile and underscores the class of this vintage.

2019 vintage and aging potential of Hermitage Blanc

The 2019 vintage produced healthy grapes with a good balance of sugar, acidity, and phenolic ripeness. For Hermitage Blanc, this translates to a wine with enough power to age while also retaining a sufficient freshness. In its early years, the 2019 already presented itself as rich and expressive. With time in bottle, more notes of honey, nuts, and truffle emerge, complementing the existing fruit and spice.

For serious connoisseurs and sommeliers, Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc 2019 is a natural candidate for the cellar. The wine is expected to develop for many years, gradually revealing more nuance without sacrificing structure and length.

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If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pickup" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings with Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc 2019

Pan-fried sole with beurre blanc complements the rich texture and fine acidity of the wine, while the butter sauce blends beautifully with the full mouthfeel.

Lobster with saffron risotto complements the concentration and length of the Hermitage Blanc. The saffron and shellfish notes enhance the spiciness and ripe fruit.

Grilled scallops with cauliflower cream are a harmonious combination. The slight sweetness of the scallops and the creaminess of the cauliflower complement the round texture perfectly.

Oven-baked chicken with tarragon and lemon works well thanks to the combination of fresh acidity and spicy notes. The wine keeps the dish elegant and adds depth.

Risotto with mushrooms and aged Parmesan complements the earthy and nutty accents that Hermitage Blanc reveals in the glass.

Ripe Comté cheese with walnut bread makes a lovely finish. The salty, nutty cheese underscores the ripe fruit notes and the long, full finish.