In the glass
What it pairs with
-
Roast leg of lamb a la ficelle
The most reverential Rhone pairing; Syrah from the Hermitage hill and whole roast lamb. -
Braised hare with cognac and blood sauce
Rich, intense game sauce needs the mineral depth and concentration of Chave. -
Grilled Cote de boeuf from Salers cattle
The wine's granitic tannins and dark fruit pair with the finest French beef.
How to serve Hermitage Rouge
Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Roast leg of lamb a la ficelle, Braised hare with cognac and blood sauce, Grilled Cote de boeuf from Salers cattle. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
The Chave family has owned vines on the Hermitage hill since 1481, making it one of the longest continuous viticultural families in France. Jean-Louis Chave assembles multiple lieux-dits each year to produce an Hermitage of extraordinary complexity.
- 1481 — First recorded Chave ownership of Hermitage hill parcels
- 1970 — Gerard Chave takes over from his father, beginning the modern era of the domaine
- 1991 — Jean-Louis Chave joins his father Gerard; the domaine name becomes Domaine Jean-Louis Chave
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Jean-Louis Chave
- Grapes
- Syrah (100%)
- Classification
- Hermitage AOC
- Oak
- 18-24 months in large French oak foudres and demi-muids, minimal new oak
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- EUR 200-350 at retail
- Drinking window
- 10-35 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1481
- Biodynamic
- Biodynamic Practicing
- Organic
- ECOCERT
Frequently asked about Hermitage Rouge
What does Hermitage Rouge taste like?
Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a very long, iron and mineral driven finish.
When should I drink Hermitage Rouge?
Drink 10-35 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Hermitage Rouge?
Roast leg of lamb a la ficelle is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Braised hare with cognac and blood sauce and Grilled Cote de boeuf from Salers cattle. The most reverential Rhone pairing; Syrah from the Hermitage hill and whole roast lamb.
What grapes are in Hermitage Rouge?
The blend is Syrah (100%). The wine is classified as Hermitage AOC.