Domaine Jean-Louis Chave’s Clos Florentin is a superb red wine originating from the prestigious Saint-Joseph appellation in the northern Rhône Valley. This cuvée, while noted here as non-vintage, typically showcases the essence of Syrah, the emblematic grape of the northern Rhône. The Clos Florentin parcel benefits from granitic soils, imparting finesse and minerality to the wine, and sits on steeply terraced slopes which aid optimal sun exposure and drainage. Chave’s approach to vinification prioritises traditional methods: hand-harvesting, gentle extraction, and maturation in oak barrels, resulting in wines of both structure and elegance, with a beautiful purity of fruit.
The Saint-Joseph appellation stretches along the right bank of the Rhône north of Cornas and opposite Hermitage, occupying a region with a long viticultural history dating back to Roman times. The climate here has a continental influence with Mediterranean accents, characterised by warm days and cool nights that preserve grape acidity and favour phenolic ripeness. The soils are primarily granite, sometimes interspersed with sand and clay pockets, which contribute to the unique expressiveness and peppery aromatics typical of Saint-Joseph Syrah.
This Clos Florentin pairs delightfully with robust and flavourful dishes. Traditional Rhône pairings such as roast lamb spiced with garlic and herbs de Provence, grilled duck breast, or a classic daube de boeuf will highlight the savoury character of the Syrah. For a regional vegetarian option, a lentil salad with roasted root vegetables and smoked paprika will do the wine justice. You might also consider some aged tomme or chèvre to exploit the wine’s liveliness and subtle spice.
To enjoy this wine at its best, decant for one to two hours allowing the bouquet to open fully, and serve at 16-18°C. This temperature will reveal the wine’s aromatic complexity and vibrant texture while keeping the tannins smooth and integrated. Clos Florentin will reward a few years of cellaring but offers immense pleasure already if adequately aerated.
