Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage 2023

Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage 2023 is a dry red wine made from Syrah grapes in the Crozes-Hermitage appellation of the Northern Rhône region, France. It is crafted with natural vinification (no added inputs), using gentle extraction methods and careful temperature control. The wine is intended to embody the terroir of the villages of La Roche de Glun, Mercurol and Pont de l’Isère, with elegance, bright fruit and freshness.

In June 1970, Nicole and Bernard Chave (Nicole, Bernard Chave) purchased a small property - 4 hectares of land in the village of Mercyrol in the Drome department. One hectare was home to the Hermitage vineyard in the Crozes appellation, while the rest of the area was covered by cherry, apricot, pear and apple trees. Since 1972, they began to gradually expand their holdings, planting grapes or fruit trees in new areas. In 1994, the Shavi family already owned almost 16 hectares: one hectare of Hermitage, 6.5 hectares of Crozes-Hermitage and 8.5 hectares of fruit trees. From 1970 to 1973, the Shavi sold their grapes to buyers, and in 1973 they first filled the first vat with their own wine. In 1974 they joined the Ten-L'Hermitage wine cooperative, which they were members of until 1978, and in 1979 the family decided to create their own winery. In 1983, Shavi built an underground cellar. At that time, they sold all products - bottled and in bulk - to buyers and private clients. In 1996, after returning home after military service and studies, the eldest son Yann (Yann Chave) officially took part in the family business, and today he works with his parents in the vineyards and winery. Jan took the opportunity to rent an additional 5 hectares on which he planted grapes and made significant changes in the vineyards, putting quality first. The family's property continued to expand, and in 2007 Shavi already had about 20 hectares of vineyards (grapes were planted in place of the fruit trees). In 2003 Jan built a new winery building. Today most of the products are sold in bottles. The level of exports varies slightly from year to year, but on average accounts for 60% of the total production (wine is sent to Europe, America, Asia and Australia); the rest is purchased by French wholesalers and restaurants (including Bocuse, Ducasse, Troisgros, Marcon, Pic, Chabran, Têtedoie, Les Cèdres, etc.). Yann Chave wine is not sold in shopping centers.

On the nose, this wine opens with clean, fresh, and fruity aromas: juicy cherry and blackberry, together with touches of black pepper, menthol and a hint of licorice. On the palate it is full-bodied and greedy, showing ripe dark fruit and spicy flavors, with delicate tannins that add structure without heaviness. The finish is long and well balanced, with both fruit and finesse being prominent, leaving a refreshing aftertaste.

This Crozes-Hermitage pairs beautifully with rich, flavourful dishes: try it with veal liver well-seared, flank steak or onglet of beef, or robust game. It also works well with tuna served tataki style (or slightly chilled), where its freshness and spicy fruit will complement rather than overpower.