Structure

Bodyfull
Tanninfirm
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Oaknew oak

Drinking window

Best 10 to 35 years from vintage.
vintage10 yrs35 yrs37 yrs

Critic scores

No critic score is published for this bottle that we can cite with a reviewer, a vintage and a review year, so none is shown. The rating in the header is our own.

In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninHigh acidityDryVery Long, Iron And Mineral Driven finish

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.

  1. Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
  2. Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
  3. Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
  4. 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.

  1. 1481: First recorded Chave ownership of Hermitage hill parcels
  2. 1970: Gerard Chave takes over from his father, beginning the modern era of the domaine
  3. 1991: Jean-Louis Chave joins his father Gerard; the domaine name becomes Domaine Jean-Louis Chave

Facts

Producer
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave · visiting guide
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.

Tags

biodynamic cellar worthy cult wine dry firm tannin full body grand cru high acid iconic mood contemplative occasion cellar occasion gift occasion special old vines old world organic pairs with game pairs with red meat price luxury still red syrah

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