Region: Hermitage, Northern Rhône, Rhône Valley, France Grape(s): 85% Marsanne, 15% Roussanne Winemaker: Jean-Luis Chave Drinks Best: Now - 20 Years
The Northern Rhone Valley is synonymous with Syrah and makes an exceptionally small volume of wine in total, so when you consider the great white wines of the Northern Rhone, you’re looking at a tiny, tiny slice of the wine world. These rarities are not inexpensive, they are hard to find, and almost all of them judge themselves by the unquestioned standard-bearer – JL Chave’s Hermitage Blanc. Chave Blanc is regularly regarded as one of the finest white wines in the world, and for good reason. Intensely aromatic, honeyed fruit, smoke and jasmine are just the start for a wine the opens, expands, and lingers in your glass and memory.
Pairings: Roasted pork loin with chestnuts and sweet potatoes