Yann Chave : Tradition 2021

Characteristics and tasting advice for Yann Chave Tradition 2021

Tasting

Appearance

The wine shows a deep ruby-red color with intense, bright violet highlights.

Nose

The nose is expressive and elegant, revealing intense aromas of ripe black fruits, notably blackberry and blueberry. Spicy notes of black pepper and licorice enrich the aromatic palette, bringing complexity and freshness to the whole.

Palate

The attack is supple and silky, unveiling a refined texture. The palate unfolds with flavors of black fruits and cherry, carried by a fine mineral lift. The tannins are well integrated and polished, providing an elegant structure. The finish lingers with persistent spicy notes of pepper and cocoa, accompanied by subtle hints of violet.

Food and wine pairings

This Crozes-Hermitage Tradition 2021 is an ideal match for lamb in all its forms. It also pairs beautifully with roasted or grilled red meats, duck, as well as mushroom dishes and braised root vegetables.

Serving and cellaring

Tradition 2021 can be enjoyed now or kept in the cellar through around 2031. It is best served at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. About 15 minutes of aeration will allow the wine to fully express its aromas.

An elegant, fruity Crozes-Hermitage from the Northern Rhône Valley

The estate

The Domaine Yann Chave traces its origins back to 1970, when Nicole and Bernard Chave acquired four hectares of land in Mercurol. Yann Chave took over the family estate in 1996 and profoundly reshaped its philosophy by converting the entire vineyard to organic farming, certified in 2007. Today, the estate covers around twenty hectares in the northern Rhône Valley, spread across the Crozes-Hermitage appellation and a small parcel on the legendary Hermitage hill. Yann Chave now runs the domaine, recently joined by his daughter Daphné in 2024, who brings international experience gained in Argentina, South Africa and Priorat. The estate is renowned for wines that gain in elegance while retaining remarkable aging potential.

The vineyard

The Crozes-Hermitage Tradition 2021 comes from a blend of parcels located in three villages within the appellation: La Roche de Glun, Mercurol and Pont-de-l'Isère. The vines, aged 20 to 55 years, grow on diverse soils made up of alluvial deposits, clay and rounded pebbles, reflecting the geological diversity of the northern Rhône Valley. The entire vineyard is farmed under certified organic practices, with hand-harvesting enabling a rigorous selection of grapes at optimal ripeness.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage was marked by a mild winter followed by a contrasted spring with frost episodes. Flowering took place at the end of May, followed by particularly rainy months in June and July. Weather instability characterized the period from mid-July to mid-August, before more favorable conditions at the end of summer made it possible to achieve fine grape ripeness, combining concentration and freshness.

Winemaking and aging

Vinification of Tradition 2021 is carried out in concrete vats with indigenous yeasts, without destemming, allowing the stems to contribute to the wine’s structure. Aging takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, preserving aromatic freshness and the fruit’s mineral expression. This minimalist approach aims to highlight the purity of the terroir and the natural elegance of Syrah.

Grape variety

100% Syrah