Aimé Sabon started this family business in Courthézon (in the hamlet of La Janasse) in 1967, using his father and father-in-law's vineyards. Before his arrival, the harvest was sold to winemakers. The cellar dates back to 1973. After studying oenology in Beaune and gaining some work experience in Mâcon in 1991, Christophe joined the company and is now responsible for winemaking. His sisters Isabelle and Hélène are also actively involved. The vineyard has grown from 15 to 90 hectares since 1973. The Sabons meticulously match the grapes, soil, and microclimate. All their efforts result in incredibly balanced terroir wines.
The vineyards of Domaine de La Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape have sandy soils, gravel, and red clay. They cover a total of 10 hectares and are cultivated without the use of insecticides, herbicides, or pesticides, and are fertilized with natural fertilizers. The land is cultivated without weeding to maintain the soil's aeration and flexibility. Their yields are low, ranging from 25 to 30 hectoliters per hectare, allowing the vines to produce a balanced and concentrated grape.
The grapes for Domaine de La Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape are harvested by hand. Once in the winery, 80 percent of the clusters are destemmed, leaving the rest whole. Once in barrels, they ferment and macerate for 21 to 28 days, with daily battonage to extract more color and structure from the skins. Finally, the wine is aged, 80 percent in foeders and the rest in barrels (one-third new), for a total of twelve months.
Domaine de La Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a complex, structured, and elegant wine that knows how to maximize the richness of each varietal. It has an intense bouquet with aromas of black and red fruit. The palate offers roundness, suppleness, and finesse.
