Yann Chave : Hermitage 2021

Tasting notes and serving tips for Yann Chave’s 2021 Hermitage

Tasting

Appearance

The wine shows a deep garnet color with bright ruby highlights.

Nose

The nose reveals aromas of fresh dark fruits, notably blackcurrant and blackberry, alongside spicy notes recalling black pepper and cinnamon. With aeration, the bouquet gains in finesse and complexity.

Palate

On the palate, this wine is full-bodied, with fresh dark-fruit flavors unfolding with intensity. Concentrated yet fine, the tannins bring both density and elegance to the structure. The mid-palate reveals ripe-fruit notes with a subtle smoky touch. The silky finish is underpinned by lingering freshness.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs beautifully with roasted red meats, especially roast beef or grilled beef cuts. It also goes very well with game, such as roasted duck or venison. For cheeses, opt for well-aged farmhouse cheeses such as Saint-Nectaire, Brillat-Savarin, or mimolette.

Serving and cellaring

Serve the 2021 Hermitage between 16 and 18°C. Decanting is recommended to allow the wine to fully open up. This wine can be enjoyed now, but will continue to develop through around 2036.

The concentration and elegance of an exceptional Hermitage

The estate

Founded in 1970 by Nicole and Bernard Chave in Mercurol, the family estate now spans twenty hectares in the Northern Rhône Valley. In 1996, Yann Chave joined the family business and took over in 2001, bringing new momentum focused on quality. A pioneer of organic viticulture in the region, the estate obtained certification in 2007. Today, Yann Chave runs the property alongside his daughter Daphné and Gauthier, who bring a vision geared toward finer, more elegant wines while remaining faithful to the expression of their terroirs.

The vineyard

This Hermitage 2021 comes from two plots located in the named sites of Beaume and Péléat, on the Hill of Hermitage. The vines, over forty years old, are rooted in loess soils and benefit from a southwest-facing exposure that promotes optimal sunshine. These slope conditions and the maturity of the vines helped preserve quality despite the vintage’s climatic challenges.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage was marked by an exceptionally severe winter frost episode affecting vineyards across France. Flowering took place at the end of May under milder conditions, followed by particularly rainy months of June and July. Weather instability persisted from mid-July to mid-August, posing dilution risks for the grapes.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the 2021 Hermitage are fully destemmed before fermentation. Winemaking is carried out with indigenous yeasts, with no inoculation. Maceration lasts four weeks, with temperature controlled at a maximum of 28°C. Extraction is carried out through pump-overs to preserve the finesse of the tannins. After fermentation, the wine is aged in 600-liter demi-muids for twelve months, during which malolactic fermentation takes place, followed by an additional six months in tank.

Grape variety

100% Syrah