The Chave family is based in a small village on the northern right bank of the Rhône Valley. There have been Chaves growing vines on the famous Hermitage hill since 1481. Gerard Chave took over from his father in 1970 and rapidly achieved megastar status for his wines and has since passed on the winemaking responsibilities to his son Jean-Louis.
The “Sélection” label is Jean-Louis’s master-negociant line. This allows him to work with top growers and vineyards throughout the Rhône while applying his strict standards of quality and organic vineyard practices.
While 2023 presented challenges in the vineyard, careful farming and beneficial day-night temperature swings helped preserve acidity and build flavour. The 2023 Mon Coeur captures the vintage's strengths: pure fruit, and a polished, balanced palate.
Mon Coeur is a blend of four terroirs from in and around Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with vines between 20-60 years old., The 2023 wine is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan. Fermentation was in stainless steel tanks. Élevage was in an assortment of new and old barrels, demi-muids and large foudres at the magnificently restored cellar at the Chaves’ winemaking facility at the Saint-Joseph Le Clos site in Mauves.
Tasting Note
A pretty nose of black cherry, blackberry, and spice, accompanies a palate of generous red berries, pepper, herbes de Provence, and sandalwood. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced. This savoury wine is a no-brainer for nights by the lake.
Food Pairing
With its medium body and generous mouth-feel, we recommend matching the wine’s weight with rosemary grilled beef or olive-driven Mediterranean dishes. Umami-rich dishes, whether meat or veggie, will seamlessly accompany the generous fruit and savoury spice of JL Chave’s Sélection Mon Coeur.