In a world where the number of generations working the fields is as important as the number of bottles you produce, it would make sense that some of the younger winemakers in the Rhone Valley wine region remain unheard of. Take Domaine de la Janasse as a case in point: with titans such as Beaucastel and Rayas as its Chateauneuf-du-Pape neighbours, few people may be aware of the splendid wine being produced by the tiny Domaine de la Janasse. Despite having vines as old as 90 years on some parcels, the label is a mere 45 years old, making it one of the youngest in the region.

Taking its name from one of their small parcels of land in Chateauneuf du Pape, the actual estate proper is found in the area of Courthezon. Owned by the Sabon family, winemaking runs in this French family’s veins. Prior to exploiting the 15 hectares of fine Chateauneuf du Pape terroir for himself, Aimé Sabon was a negociant, selling his high-quality grapes to his now competitors. Under Aimé’s steerage, the domaine has grown to 90-hectares of fine Cotes du Rhone parcels and today produces 300,000 bottles, divided into three splendid reds and two lovely whites. Organic farming where possible and sustainable harvesting (the grapes are destemmed by hand and sorted twice) coupled with the harmonious hodgepodge of parcels and solid savoir-faire, give all cuvées a sound reputation.

La Revue des Vins de France rates the domaine at two stars and overall it scores well on aggregate scoring. Still very attainable price wise (ranging from €30-€100 per bottle depending on the year), price increase has not been as fast on Domaine de la Janesse as it has been with other producers. However, with all Rhone Valley wines (and notably Chateauneuf du Pape), gaining traction with both the Liv-ex and on the open market, we suggest that Domaine de la Janesse is one to watch.