The Chave family have been making wine in the Northern Rhone Valley since 1481. First in Saint Joseph, and then adding parcels of Hermitage - the appellation with which they are nearly synonymous. Jean-Louis Chave steers the domain, having taken over from his father the Gerard (one of just a few Chave men not named Jean-Louis in a very long line). Jean-Louis is fanatical about the farming in the vineyards, the preservation of the reputation of Hermitage and Saint Joseph, and the telling of their histories. Jean-Louis knows each parcel of the vineyards intimately and uses the grapes from each like instruments in an orchestra to bring about pure wine magic. 

The "Domaine" Saint Joseph is a special wine for the Chaves. They have taken on the tasks of rebuilding many of the ancient terraces for this generations and many more to come - the winery has stonemason working full-time! The Chaves, while famous for Hermitage, got their start with Saint Joseph, and this wines is a testament to that passion.