Why it matters
The producer
Hermitage Rouge and Hermitage Blanc sit at the centre of Domaine Jean-Louis Chave's Rhône range, joined by Saint-Joseph, Clos Florentin and Cuvée Cathelin. Jean-Louis Chave joined the domaine in 1992 after earning an oenology degree at UC Davis in California. The Chave family represents sixteen generations of winemaking, with Hermitage and Saint-Joseph wines continuing across the range.
Hermitage Blanc and Hermitage Rouge carry the estate name, while Saint-Joseph extends the domaine into wines from old vines and multiple villages. Cuvée Cathelin is made only in selected vintages and in around 200 cases.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Two Rhône appellations shape the range. Hermitage supplies the domaine's red and white Hermitage bottlings, while Saint-Joseph brings old vines from multiple villages. Saint-Joseph Rouge includes fruit from the historic sites Bachasson and Clos Florentin, giving the wine a multi village source within the appellation.
The range therefore moves between named Hermitage wines and Saint-Joseph bottlings assembled from several village holdings. The appellation names remain visible in the bottle lineup.
In the cellar
Vineyards and cellar
Hermitage Blanc ferments primarily in neutral oak barrels and then ages approximately two years in oak. Neutral oak contributes oxygen and texture while adding little new oak flavour, allowing the mineral character of the wine to remain present.
Saint-Joseph combines old vines from multiple villages. Fermentation uses indigenous yeasts, naturally occurring yeasts rather than a selected commercial strain, and ageing lasts 15 to 18 months in barriques. The oak period builds complexity while preserving the character of the different village sources.
Wines to know
The range in view
The range includes red and white Hermitage, Saint-Joseph wines, Clos Florentin and Cuvée Cathelin. Hermitage Rouge is described through complexity and longevity. Hermitage Blanc combines richness, substantial body weight and ageing potential.
Saint-Joseph Rouge comes from historic sites including Bachasson and Clos Florentin. Cuvée Cathelin is the smallest named release in the range, produced only in selected vintages and around 200 cases.