Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage “Le Rouvre” 2022 Magnum

Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage "Le Rouvre" 2022 is a distinguished dry red wine, produced exclusively from Syrah grapes, cultivated in the renowned Crozes-Hermitage appellation of the Northern Rhône valley in France. This wine is a hallmark of Yann Chave's dedication to terroir-driven winemaking, embodying the rich, aromatic intensity and the structured elegance that Syrah can achieve in the hands of a master vintner. "Le Rouvre" is named after the oak trees ('rouvre' is an old French word for oak) surrounding the vineyard, with the wine benefiting from aging in oak barrels to enhance its complexity and texture, showcasing the varietal's true expression.

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.

“Le Rouvre” 2022 unveils a compelling bouquet of dark fruits like blackberry and blueberry, complemented by layers of spice, black pepper, and a hint of smoked meat, embodying the classic profile of Syrah from the region. The palate is rich and full-bodied, with a luscious depth of fruit balanced by smooth tannins and a vibrant acidity that leads to a persistent, elegantly spiced finish. This wine’s depth and balance underscore its craftsmanship and the exceptional quality of its vineyard source.

Pairing Yann Chave’s Crozes-Hermitage “Le Rouvre” with savory dishes such as grilled lamb, roast beef, or hearty vegetarian stews can highlight the wine’s robust flavors and structural finesse. It also pairs splendidly with aged hard cheeses, allowing the intricate flavors of both the wine and the cheese to intermingle and enhance the overall tasting experience. These pairings not only bring out the best in the wine but also create a harmonious and memorable culinary journey.