Paul Jaboulet-Aîné : Le Grand Pompée 2023

Tasting characteristics and advice for Grand Pompée 2023 from Paul Jaboulet-Aîné

Tasting

Color

The color shows a pale yellow hue with subtle green highlights.

Nose

The bouquet is initially reserved, then opens up with aeration, revealing notes of candied citrus and quince paste, accompanied by delicate touches of linden blossom and dried herbs.

Palate

On the palate, the wine expresses lovely freshness with fruity flavors of fresh quince, pear, and citrus. The finish stands out for its elegance and aromas of verbena.

Food and wine pairings

This Saint-Joseph blanc pairs perfectly with a rabbit and eel terrine with orange Chantilly cream, a sea trout escalope with chervil butter, or a pan-seared veal chop with baby turnips.

Serving and cellaring

Grand Pompée 2023 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 12 and 14°C. This wine can be enjoyed through around 2028.

An elegant and fresh Saint-Joseph blanc

The estate

Founded in 1834 by Antoine Jaboulet in Tain-l'Hermitage, the House of Paul Jaboulet-Aîné has embodied the excellence of the Rhône Valley for nearly two centuries. Taken over in 2006 by the Frey family, it is now led by Caroline Frey, a renowned winemaker and winegrower. The estate farms around 125 hectares, including 25 in Hermitage, and produces wines from more than 13 Rhône appellations. Certified organic since 2016 and transitioning to biodynamic farming, it remains famous for its Hermitage La Chapelle, a legendary expression of Syrah.

The vineyard

The vines of this Saint-Joseph blanc are planted on light schist and gneiss soils resting on a granite bedrock. The vineyard benefits from steep south- and southeast-facing slopes, ideal conditions for ripening white grapes. The vines, aged from 10 to 30 years, are managed with a controlled yield of 35 hectoliters per hectare, ensuring concentration and quality.

The vintage

The year 2023 begins with an extremely rainy autumn that replenishes water reserves, followed by a dry winter. Early budbreak occurs around April 3, while flowering takes place in early June. Rainfall in June promotes growth without water stress. Summer brings a few hail episodes in the region.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for Le Grand Pompée 2023 are harvested by hand and then pressed as whole clusters. Fermentation takes place at low temperature in a mix of vessels: barrels, stainless-steel tanks, and concrete eggs. The aging of this Rhône Valley wine lasts 8 months, split between concrete eggs, French oak barrels, and stainless-steel tanks, giving the wine complexity and texture.

Grape varieties

Marsanne (80%), Roussanne (20%).