Hermitage: Jean-Louis Chave 2002
Description
Typically the Chave Hermitage blanc exhibits diverse aromas of apricots, honeysuckle, white peaches and grilled nuts and an equally complex palate of candied citrus fruits, honey, vanilla, almonds and minerals underscored by a fine acidity which imparts its great longevity. This is a wine that can ‘close down’ and become somewhat mute in adolescence (at around 5-7 years of age) but that then re-emerges at around 10 years-old showing even greater concentration and complexity.
- Style: White Wine, Dry (Sec), Full-bodied
- Region: Rhone, Hermitage,
- Producer: Gérard & Jean-Louis Chave
- Vintage: 2002
- Grape variety (Cépage): Marsanne, Roussanne
- Wine pairing - drink with: White fish, Poultry
- Cellarage: Approachable when young this wine is best drunk at 2-3 years of age or after at least seven years cellarage. Superior vintages can age well for
decades (30+ years). - Vinification: The grapes are rigorously harvested by hand at optimum maturity, from four different lieu dits (L'Hermite, Peleat, Maison Blanche and Rocoules)
from vines subjected to minimal treatments and short pruning. The grapes are bladder pressed before a 24-hour debourbage (settling) and the juice is then transferred to cask (circa 80%) and stainless steel (circa 20%) for fermentation. After alcoholic and malolactic fermentation the wine is racked clear and lightly sulphured. After the lightest of finings and at least 12 months élevage the final assemblage (blending) takes place. The wine is then left to 'harmonise' for several weeks before a very light plate filtration and eventual bottling. - Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 13%
- Full Tasting Notes (PDF): Download
