Cave de Tain, Cave de
Summary
Cave de Tain is the Northern Rhône Valley's leading cooperative, managing 1,000 hectares across five appellations with a focus on Syrah for reds and Marsanne-Roussanne for whites grown on diverse granite and limestone terroirs from Hermitage to Saint-Péray. Their plot-by-plot vinification approach and sustainable practices, formalized through HVE certification, establish them as a regional benchmark that successfully balances commercial scale with authentic terroir expression across multiple price points.
Heritage & Leadership
Founded in 1933, Cave de Tain stands as one of the Northern Rhône Valley's most significant wine cooperatives. Established by local growers in Tain-l'Hermitage, the cooperative began with the mission of collectively producing and marketing wines from this distinguished terroir. The organization has grown steadily over decades, evolving from its modest beginnings to become the primary producer in the Hermitage appellation.
Cave de Tain operates under a cooperative structure, with governance shared among its member growers. The cooperative is directed by Xavier Gomart, who serves as Director General, overseeing both viticultural and commercial operations. Under his leadership, Cave de Tain has expanded its international presence while maintaining focus on expressing the distinct terroirs of the Northern Rhône. The cooperative marked its 85th anniversary in 2018 with the completion of a modernized production facility, representing a significant investment in quality and efficiency.
Vineyards & Wines
Cave de Tain manages approximately 1,000 hectares of vineyards spread across five appellations of the Northern Rhône: Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, Cornas, and Saint-Péray. The cooperative's vineyards span diverse terroirs, from the granite slopes of Hermitage and Saint-Joseph to the alluvial plains of Crozes-Hermitage.
The granite-based soils of the Hermitage hill, with its south-facing aspect, provide optimal conditions for Syrah, which constitutes the majority of the cooperative's red wine production. White varieties Marsanne and Roussanne thrive in the limestone-rich sectors of their holdings. The cooperative's vineyards range in elevation from 130 to 350 meters, with the most prized parcels situated on the steep slopes of Hermitage itself. Cave de Tain produces wines across multiple quality tiers, from accessible Crozes-Hermitage offerings to single-vineyard Hermitage selections that showcase specific terroir expressions.
Philosophy & Practice
Cave de Tain adheres to a philosophy of terroir expression through precise viticultural management. The cooperative implements plot-by-plot vinification, allowing for detailed expression of each vineyard site. Their winemaking approach balances traditional methods with modern technology, utilizing temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks followed by aging in French oak barrels for premium selections.
The cooperative has committed to sustainable viticulture, obtaining High Environmental Value (HVE) certification for its practices. Their technical team works directly with member growers to implement rigorous quality standards throughout the growing season. Harvest is conducted by hand for premium vineyards, particularly on the steep slopes of Hermitage and Cornas. Cave de Tain's winemaking protocol includes partial destemming for red wines, with aging periods ranging from 12 months for Crozes-Hermitage to 18-24 months for Hermitage selections. This methodical approach to both viticulture and vinification reflects the cooperative's dedication to quality and authentic expression of Northern Rhône terroirs.