Domaine de la Janasse

Domaine de la Janasse traces its origins to 1967, when Aimé Sabon took over vineyards from his father on the family farm known as La Janasse near Courthézon. The domaine took its formal shape in 1973 when Sabon constructed his own cellar. Christophe Sabon assumed management in 1991, and his sister Isabelle joined in 2001. Under their stewardship, the estate has grown from 15 hectares to 90 hectares, cementing its reputation as one of the southern Rhône Valley's most respected producers.

• Founded 1967; official domaine established 1973 with construction of estate cellar
• Named after the Sabon family farm 'La Janasse' in Courthézon, Vaucluse
• Christophe Sabon took over winemaking in 1991; Isabelle joined in 2001
• Estate grew from 15 hectares to 90 hectares under current family management

The estate's 90 hectares are spread across multiple appellations, with 20 hectares in Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, 30 hectares in Côtes-du-Rhône Villages, 25 hectares in Côtes-du-Rhône, and 15 hectares in Vin de Pays and Vin de Table. Vineyards sit between 50 and 120 meters elevation, averaging 70 meters. Soils vary across the 60-plus separate plots, ranging from the famous smooth galets roulés pebbles to clay-limestone, sand, and rocky soils in sectors such as La Crau and Saumade. The Mediterranean climate delivers long hot summers reaching 30 to 38°C, low rainfall, approximately 2,800 hours of annual sunshine, and the moderating influence of the Mistral wind.

• 20 ha in Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, with plots on La Crau and Saumade sectors
• Soils include galets roulés, clay-limestone, and sand depending on the plot
• Mediterranean climate with 2,800 hours of annual sunshine and Mistral wind influence
• 60+ separate vineyard plots managed to capture terroir diversity across the estate

Grenache forms the backbone of the estate's red wines, supported by Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and Carignan. White varieties include Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Viognier, and Picpoul. The flagship red cuvées are the Tradition (75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre), the single-varietal Chaupin sourced from 100% old-vine Grenache planted in 1912, and the Vieilles Vignes (85% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 3% Mourvèdre). White Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes-du-Rhône wines are also produced, alongside a limited-edition Vin de Paille dessert wine sold exclusively at the property.

• Tradition: 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre
• Chaupin: 100% old-vine Grenache from vines planted in 1912
• Vieilles Vignes: 85% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 3% Mourvèdre
• Limited Vin de Paille dessert wine produced and sold only at the domaine

All wines are aged for 12 to 18 months in a combination of barrels and foudres, the large traditional wooden vessels common in southern Rhône cellars. The estate is implementing organic conversion practices alongside sustainable vineyard management across its many plots. The result is a range of wines celebrated for combining power and elegance, with Grenache-driven reds showing red fruit, spice, leather, and herbal character, and whites offering stone fruit, floral, and mineral notes.

• Ageing: 12 to 18 months in barrels and foudres (large wooden casks)
• Organic conversion and sustainable vineyard management practices underway
• Reds are powerful yet elegant, Grenache-led with spice, leather, and red fruit
• Whites are refined, showing stone fruit, floral, and mineral character