Domaine Yann Chave is a family-run estate located in the heart of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation, with holdings also on the esteemed Hermitage hillside. Founded in the early 1970s by Nicole and Bernard Chave, the domaine began with a mix of vineyards and fruit orchards. After taking over in 1996, Yann Chave shifted focus exclusively to viticulture, restructuring the vineyards and eventually transitioning the estate to organic farming—an effort sparked by a personal experience with chemical poisoning. Certified organic since 2007, the estate now spans 20 hectares, and Yann’s thoughtful, detail-driven approach balances technical precision with deep respect for the land and future generations. Le Rouvre is sourced from the “Les Pautus” terraces, where the former Rhône riverbed left behind a thick layer of rolled river pebbles—an iconic feature of the Crozes-Hermitage terroir. The site is home to massal-selection Syrah vines over 60 years old, yielding naturally low quantities of concentrated fruit. Vinification is low-intervention: grapes are destemmed, gently pumped over during a four-week maceration, and fermented at moderate temperatures. Aging takes place in 600L demi-muids for one year, followed by six months in tank before bottling. The resulting wine is structured yet supple, with notes of black fruit, olive, and smoky minerality, finishing fresh and persistent.