Domaine de la Janasse is a true family business. Aimé Sabon took over the vineyards from his father in 1967 and has been expanding them rapidly. Aimé was acutely aware of the potential of this beautiful region and therefore didn't hesitate to expand the area with new plots. Where the vineyards once comprised 15 hectares, they now cover 90 hectares. As is well known, this estate strives for perfection and therefore produces high-quality wines.
The vines for this Côtes-du-Rhône are located in the eastern part of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, near the town of Courthézon. Grenache grapes make up the majority of the cuvée, at 40 percent, followed by 20 percent Mourvèdre, 20 percent Carignan (from vines over 60 years old), 15 percent Syrah, and 5 percent Cinsault.
The vineyards for Domaine de La Janasse Côtes-du-Rhône are cultivated without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or insecticides. The average yield is 46 hectoliters per hectare, and the harvest is carried out manually. Once in the winery, eighty percent of the harvest is destemmed and macerated for twelve to fifteen days. Finally, the wine is aged for six to nine months in foudres. Grenache dominates the wine, with Mourvèdre and Syrah playing a minor role, and Cinsault providing the finishing touch.
The wine develops magnificent aromas of fresh red fruit (strawberry, blackberry, cherry), combined with a hint of licorice and fine tannins. On the palate, this Domaine de la Janasse is broad, round, opulent, and smooth. A sublime wine, head and shoulders above many Chateauneuf wines. A subtle chocolate note in the medium-length finish makes it a perfect pleasure.
