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Chave is one of the oldest names in wine, beginning in 1481, when a nobleman gifted a farmhouse and vineyard to Charles Chave outside of Lemps in what is now the St. Joseph appellation. Over 500 years later, Jean-Louis is the 16th generation of the family to work the family vines.
In 1865, after phylloxera decimated many vineyards across France and Europe, the Chave family purchased some vines on the famed hill of Hermitage. The Northern Rhône is often considered the spiritual home of Syrah, and and few do it better than Chave.
The Chaves are master blenders, deftly bringing together grapes from various soils and sites. Their method is thoroughly traditional—low yields, full ripeness, minimal new oak, minimal intervention—much the same way wine has been made for centuries.
J.L. Chave Sélection is their négociant line, sourcing grapes from different parts of the Rhône with the same high standards of winemaking: traditional farming, super low yields, full ripeness, and minimal manipulation without using any artificial pesticides or fertilizers.
“Offerus" comes from Chave’s estate vines up to 80 years old, grown on granite soils in the communes of Mauves, Tournon, and St. Jean de Muzols. About 50% of the grapes are destemmed before fermentation in open-top wood tonneaux and stainless steel tanks. The wine then moves to aged barriques, foundres, and demi-muids for 18 months before bottling.
Juicy & mouth filling, smoky notes of ripe dark fruit and violets, with spice, meat, and earthy undertones come through on the nose. Brambly blackberry, fig and black cherry join the palate, with savory notes of anise, violet, cracked pepper, olive, and iron. Rich, dark, and gamey, the supple tannins bring a mineral edge and fresh sanguine note.
Syrah. Organic.
