Janasse Chateauneuf du Pape Rhone Wine

Janasse, Chateauneuf du Pape, Rhone wine producer profile with wine tasting notes, wine ratings, a history of the property, information on wine making and terroir, along with wine tasting reviews and images. If you want to read about other important wineries and wine makers from the Rhone valley: Links to all Rhone Valley Wine Producer Profiles

Janasse is a fairly new property, especially by European standards. It did not become an official Domaine until 1973. Prior to that date, the harvest was sold in bulk to negociants starting in 1967. Janasse takes its name from the small parcel where some of their vines are located in Chateauneuf du Pape.

Aime Sabon, the founder of Janasse increased the vineyards from 15 hectares to their current size of 55 hectares with 15 of their hectares located in the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation. Their vines are scattered across the region on different soil types. They have old vines. Their oldes vines, which are close to 90 years of age on average are used in their special Janasse Cuvee Vieilles Vinges.

Janasse is a modern style of Chateauneuf du Pape. Starting in 1993, they began to destem some of their fruit. That trend has continued and as of today, at least 80% of the berries are fermented without stems. Concrete vats are used to ferment their Grenache. They use the short, conical shaped oak barrels to ferment their Mourvedre and Syrah. The Grenache is aged in foudres. The Mourvedre and Syrah is aged in a combination of new French oak barrels and foudres giving Janasse its modern style.

In 2001, Sabon brought in his children to help run the estate, Christophe and Isabel.

Janasse produces 3 red Chateauneuf du Pape wines and 2 white Chateauneuf du Papes as well as wines from Cotes du Rhone.

Janasse Tradition is produced from 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre. Production averages 1,250 cases.

Janasse Chaupin is produced from 100% Grenache from old vines that were planted over 100 years ago. In fact, they were planted in 1912. 70% of the wine is aged in foudres. The remaining 30% is aged in barrel. 25% of the barrels are new oak. Production averages 1,000 cases. This is my favorite wine from Janasse.

Janasse Vieilles Vignes is made from a blend of 85% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 3% Mourvedre. The rest of the blend comes from a myriad of different varietals. Produced from old wines, 75% of the wine is aged in foudres. The other 25% is aged in 40% new oak. Some tasters love this cuvee. I find the oak overwhelms the Grenache. Production averages 850 cases per year.

If you’re at Domaine Janasse, they produce a Vin de Paille that is only sold at the property. It’s a fun dessert wine that’s worth purchasing. I wish I had purchased more. Oh well… there’s always next time.

www.lajanasse.com