English
FrançaisPaul Jaboulet Aîné – Timeless Elegance of the Rhône Valley
Tain-l’Hermitage • Rhône Valley • Founded in 1834 — Owned by the Frey family since 2006
History & Leadership
A historic estate of the Northern Rhône, Paul Jaboulet Aîné built its reputation on precision winemaking and ageworthy wines. The purchase by the Frey family (also owners of Château La Lagune) in 2006 marked a new era of quality and vision, driven by Caroline Frey — oenologist and perfectionist — blending heritage with modern precision.
Terroirs & Appellations
The estate crafts wines from the greatest crus of the Northern Rhône: Hermitage (La Chapelle hill), Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas, Saint-Joseph, and Condrieu; as well as the Southern Rhône: Vacqueyras, Gigondas, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Viticulture is certified organic (2016) with a biodynamic approach, working steep slopes and terraces to express the nuances of each terroir.
Wine Style
- Syrah: depth, freshness, vibrant mineral backbone, peppery spice.
- Whites (Marsanne/Roussanne): textured and elegant, balanced by lively tension and salinity.
- Subtle élevage focused on balance, terroir transparency, and long aging potential.
Signature Cuvées
| Cuvée | Appellation | Profile & Style |
|---|---|---|
| Hermitage “La Chapelle” | Hermitage | Legendary cuvée (name used since 1919) — profound, complex, exceptional aging potential |
| Crozes-Hermitage “Domaine de Thalabert” | Crozes-Hermitage | Fresh, structured, juicy — historic signature of the estate |
| Saint-Joseph “Le Grand Pompée” | Saint-Joseph | Fine, spicy, elegant Rhône character (red and white) |
| Hermitage Blanc “Chevalier de Sterimberg” | Hermitage Blanc | Marsanne/Roussanne — density balanced by tension, saline finish |
Philosophy
- Each plot is farmed “like a garden”: manual harvests, strict sorting.
- Native yeast fermentations, gentle extraction, and tailored élevage by cru and vintage.
- A vision of wine as pure emotion: precision, balance, and terroir expression.
