Paul Jaboulet-Aîné : Domaine des Grands Amandiers 2024

Characteristics and tasting notes of Domaine des Grands Amandiers 2024 by Paul Jaboulet-Aîné

Tasting

Appearance

This white wine displays a beautiful pale yellow hue, enhanced by delicate silvery highlights.

Nose

Highly complex, the aromatic bouquet unveils scents of stone fruits such as just-ripe apricot and white peach, interwoven with notes of citrus, yellow apple and lychee. Subtle floral touches of jasmine and honeysuckle blend with mineral nuances of gunflint and light minty scents.

Palate

Concentrated and beautifully rounded, the palate offers a medium-bodied profile with a well-measured smoothness. A very lively lemony acidity brings balance to the whole, highlighting flavours of fresh fruit and a crystalline minerality. The finish stands out for its remarkable persistence on peach notes.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs wonderfully with seafood, shellfish such as lobster with butter, or grilled white fish. It also brilliantly accompanies white meats in creamy sauces, Mediterranean cuisine, spicy Asian dishes as well as goat cheeses or soft-ripened cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

To fully appreciate Domaine des Grands Amandiers 2024, it is recommended to store it in the dark with humidity above 70%, and to serve it at a temperature between 12 and 14°C. This wine can be enjoyed in its youth, but it has the structure needed to evolve favourably and will drink well until around 2033.

The mineral expression of a great Condrieu wine

The estate

Founded in 1834 by Antoine Jaboulet in Tain l'Hermitage, the Paul Jaboulet-Aîné House is a historic figure of the Rhône Valley. After decades of development, the estate was acquired in 2006 by the Frey family. Under the leadership of Caroline Frey, the property completed its transition to organic and biodynamic viticulture. Today, Jean-Jacques Frey and his daughter Delphine Frey are at the helm of this vineyard, perpetuating centuries-old expertise while placing respect for the environment at the heart of their approach.

The vineyard

The vineyard from which this wine originates, planted in 1993, is located in the prestigious Condrieu appellation. Bordered by majestic almond trees, this terroir forms a true mineral amphitheatre facing due south. The vines thrive on vertiginous slopes reaching 58 degrees of inclination, structured by small terraces held back by dry stone walls known as "chalais". The soils are composed of decomposed granite in sandy deposits, lending a unique signature. The whole is cultivated according to the principles of organic and biodynamic farming.

The vintage

This year's growing cycle was particularly marked by strong mildew pressure, fostered by humid climatic conditions. This health challenge led to a significant drop in yields, though it allowed the surviving berries to reach a remarkable level of concentration.

Winemaking and aging

The harvest for Domaine des Grands Amandiers 2024 is carried out entirely by hand, with meticulous plot-by-plot sorting in small crates. After cold settling, fermentation takes place in concrete eggs, French oak barrels and demi-muids. Aging continues on fine lees in these same vessels, without any malolactic fermentation in order to preserve all the freshness of the wine. Finally, a light filtration precedes bottling.

Grape variety

100% Viognier.