Domaine de la Janasse
Rhone
Address:
Domaine de la Janasse, Chemin du Moulin, Courthézon, France
Website:
Winemaker:
First Vintage:
Isabelle Sabon
1973
Accepts Visitors:
Special Request
PRESTIGE
4
Summary
Domaine de la Janasse is a renowned wine estate rooted in the rich, diverse lands of the Southern Rhône Valley in France. Established in 1973 by Aimé Sabon, the winery has risen to prominence through its commitment to producing wines of exceptional quality and character. Today, it is masterfully helmed by Aimé's offspring, who maintain the family tradition with passion and innovative spirit.
The name "Janasse" originates from the family's farmland plot situated in Courthézon, near where the winery is located. This plot of land symbolized the beginning of the Sabon family's agricultural lineage. Spread over 90 hectares of vines, Domaine de la Janasse boasts a variety of terroirs that contribute to the complexity and richness of its wines. The estate's vineyards are primarily situated in the appellations of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes-du-Rhône Villages, and Côtes-du-Rhône.
Within these appellations, the vineyards are scattered across various parcels, each contributing unique soil compositions such as sandy soils, red clay, limestone, and pebbles. This diversity of soils, combined with a favorable Mediterranean climate, allows Domaine de la Janasse to cultivate a wide array of grape varieties. Their portfolio includes the quintessential Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre for reds, as well as Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, and Bourboulenc for whites. Each variety is carefully tended to, with sustainable farming practices and a minimal interventionist approach, to ensure the vineyards express the purest form of their intrinsic qualities.
The winery is highly respected for its Châteauneuf-du-Pape offerings, including the prestigious 'Chaupin,' 'Vieilles Vignes,' and their flagship 'Châteauneuf-du-Pape,' a harmonious blend that displays the power and elegance of the appellation. These wines are celebrated for their depth, balance, and the way they deftly integrate the intensity of fruit with the nuances offered by oak aging.
At Domaine de la Janasse, winemaking is an art. The winery employs traditional methods such as manual harvesting, meticulous sorting, and long fermentation to ensure the wine's highest fidelity to its terroir. Aging of the wines is conducted in a mix of oak barrels, foudres, and tanks, depending on the cuvée, allowing each wine to develop its profile to the fullest potential.
Visitors to Domaine de la Janasse can expect an immersive experience that showcases the family's dedication to excellence. Tastings often include a tour of the winery, a walk through the idyllic vineyards, and an opportunity to sample the estate's varied offerings. It's not just the high-quality wine that captivates guests; the Sabon family's hospitality and the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding Rhône Valley complete the enchanting winery experience.
Through their wines, Domaine de la Janasse articulates a story of tradition, terroir, and the uncompromising pursuit of excellence that elevates them to the upper echelons of French winemaking.