Rhône founded Maison Calvet expanded into Bordeaux and now sources regional wines from more than seven French regions.
The producer
Maison Calvet began in the Rhône Valley and expanded into Bordeaux under Jean-Marie Calvet's son Octave. Its headquarters stood on Cours du Médoc in the Chartrons neighbourhood, while a Beaune subsidiary extended the business into Burgundy. The range covers regional grapes and styles from Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Loire and the Rhône, with traditional, modern and innovative wines distributed in more than 137 countries.
Known for
French regional wine négociant
Notable facts
Jean-Marie Calvet founded Maison Calvet in Tain-l'Hermitage in 1818.
Octave continued the company's expansion into Bordeaux during the 1850s.
Maison Calvet opened a subsidiary in Beaune during the 1890s.
The Calvet signature is distributed in more than 137 countries.
The story
Octave Moves To Bordeaux
In the 1850s, Octave, son of founder Jean-Marie Calvet, continued the firm's expansion into Bordeaux after developing an interest in Bordeaux wines. By 1876 he had set up the head office on Cours du Médoc in the Chartrons neighbourhood and begun construction of a prestigious building that became a symbol of the firm's prosperity. In the 1890s, the company opened a subsidiary in Beaune, and Octave's son Jean helped the business expand and develop abroad. The family's business moved from its Rhône foundation into Bordeaux and Burgundy through these successive actions.
From the atlas
Maison Calvet
Maison Calvet began in the Rhône Valley, expanded into Bordeaux, and now works as a French regional wine négociant.
At A Glance
Founded
1818 in Tain-l'Hermitage, Rhône Valley
Headquarters
Cours du Médoc, Chartrons, Bordeaux
Business
Négociant sourcing and blending wines from French regions
Range
Wines from more than seven French regions
Reach
More than 137 countries
The Producer
Jean-Marie Calvet founded Maison Calvet in Tain-l'Hermitage in the Rhône Valley in 1818. The house operates as a négociant, sourcing and blending wines from several French regions instead of working as a single estate.
Maison Calvet is now part of Groupe GCF. Its range combines regional grape varieties and styles, with Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Loire and the Rhône all represented. The company describes its wines as traditional, modern and innovative.
Place
Maison Calvet's physical history runs from Tain-l'Hermitage in the Rhône Valley to Bordeaux's Chartrons neighbourhood and a subsidiary in Beaune. Jean-Marie Calvet established the Rhône foundation, his son Octave expanded into Bordeaux during the 1850s, and the company opened in Beaune during the 1890s.
The regional spread shapes the wines on offer. Bordeaux brings the Cabernet Sauvignon led character associated with the Left Bank and Merlot blends linked with Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. Burgundy adds the region's Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, while the Rhône contributes Grenache, Syrah, Viognier and Marsanne.
Wines
Calvet's range is organized by French region and grape variety. Bordeaux wines include Cabernet Sauvignon led Left Bank styles associated with the Médoc, alongside Merlot blends associated with Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. Burgundy wines feature Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The Loire wines emphasize Sauvignon and the freshness and lightness associated with the region. Haut-Poitou whites bring considerable aromatic power within that style. Rhône reds use Grenache and Syrah, with Grenache producing sunny red wines. Rhône whites include generous, expressive wines made from varieties such as Viognier and Marsanne.
Final Word
Maison Calvet is a Rhône founded house with a Bordeaux headquarters and a French regional range shaped by grapes, places and several distinct wine styles.