J.L. Chave “Selections”: Soaring Values from the Rhône Master
The wines of Jean-Louis Chave hold a special place atop the Rhône wine hierarchy. With an unbroken winegrowing lineage that dates back to 1481, not many other producers in the region (or even the world) can claim the heritage, the history, or the track record of superb craftsmanship that the Chave brand has evoked for centuries.
With an enology degree from UC Davis and over 30 years of experience heading one of the world’s foremost wineries, Jean-Louis has an impressive resume that would put him among the world’s great winemakers even without the mind-boggling family lineage. His Hermitage Rouge and Blanc are up there with the First Growths of Bordeaux and the great producers of Burgundy in terms of quality, price, and demand.
But today, I am here to discuss his “Selection” line of wines because they also present the quality, craftsmanship, and typicity of the Chave name, yet for a very reasonable price. You can taste a piece of what the Chave family has been building in the Rhône Valley for centuries with your Sunday roasted chicken, Tuesday night burgers, or with your weekly tasting group—without having to call your banker!
Chave began the “Selection” line in 1995 using almost entirely purchased fruit from well-known neighboring vineyards in the St-Joseph appellation. Over time, as many of the family vineyards Jean-Louis replanted matured, fruit from those vines began to make up most of the blend. Today, the line includes labels from the Côtes du Rhône, St-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, and Hermitage. Everything produced is organic, biodynamic, traditional-method, minimal-intervention goodness.
Here are a few of the “Selection” wines in stock today:
2021 J.L. Chave Selection "Offerus" St-Joseph $34.99 The hit that started it all. While the first few vintages were made from purchased fruit, these days over 80% comes from organic, eastern-facing vineyards owned by Chave himself. It is 100% Syrah with tightly wound tannins and structure that belie its overall elegant nature. Beautifully perfumed with blackberries and violets, cedar, and spice. Breathing time opens up the fruit and brings out its restrained sweetness. Enjoy with barbequed ribs or duck cassoulet.
2021 J.L. Chave Selection "Circa" St-Joseph Blanc $34.99 JD22 This is 100% Roussanne grown in the granitic soils of Mauve, St-Joseph, which gives this white a delightful mineral edge (as opposed to the suppleness offered by the clay limestone soils of Hermitage) in addition to aromas of pears, white stone fruit, acacia flowers, and tarragon. This is a great food wine full of vivacity that pairs well with roasted chicken or grilled sea bass and is a fun and interesting alternative to white Burgundy.
2021 J.L. Chave Selection "Mon Coeur" Côtes du Rhône $21.99 JD91 This is such an elegant, stylish, and ridiculously good southern Rhône from the master of the north. Made from equal parts Grenache and Syrah, most of the fruit is purchased from organic vineyards in and around the villages of the Vinsobres, Visan, Buisson, and Estargues. It has plenty of pure, ripe plum and brambly berry fruits with nice mineral undertones, violets and pepper, even a touch of smoke. It has a soft tannin profile and showcases an elegant balance of dark fruits, tannin and acid.
One of the coolest things about these wines is that in addition to being delicious, elegant, and stylish, they are also entirely what they are supposed to be. These wines accurately represent the terroir and style typical of the regions they hail from—and from one of the planet's best winemakers no less. Whether you are a fan of the region, a student of wine, or just love a delicious glass with your evening meal, look for the Chave name to satisfy your needs without emptying your wallet.