Jean-Luc Jamet
Summary
Jean-Luc Jamet operates a small, independent domaine in Ampuis in the Northern Rhône, managing 2 hectares of steep vineyard parcels across Côte-Rôtie's Côte Blonde and Côte Brune, where he focuses primarily on Syrah from schist, granite, and limestone soils. His artisanal approach combines partial whole-cluster fermentation with minimal oak influence and sustainable vineyard practices, producing approximately 10,000 bottles annually that express the distinct personalities of each site with minimal intervention.
Heritage & Leadership
Jean-Luc Jamet established his independent domaine in 2013 following a professional separation from Domaine Jamet, where he had worked alongside his brother Jean-Paul for nearly three decades. The split resulted in a division of the family's vineyard holdings, with Jean-Luc taking his portion of the estate to create his own winery based in Ampuis in the Northern Rhône. Prior to this division, the brothers had jointly managed Domaine Jamet since the 1980s, continuing the winemaking tradition established by their father Joseph Jamet in 1950.
Today, Jean-Luc Jamet operates his domaine with his wife Agnès, maintaining a small, focused production. The winery is housed in a modern facility overlooking the Rhône Valley, where Jean-Luc applies the traditional winemaking knowledge accumulated during his decades of experience in Côte-Rôtie.
Vineyards & Wines
Jean-Luc Jamet's vineyards span approximately 2 hectares across several parcels in Côte-Rôtie, primarily on the Côte Blonde and Côte Brune. His holdings include plots in notable lieux-dits such as Lancement, Le Plomb, and Bonniviers. The vineyards feature the characteristic steep slopes of Côte-Rôtie, with elevations ranging from 180 to 325 meters. The terroir comprises schist and granite soils on the Côte Brune, while his Côte Blonde parcels contain more limestone and sandy elements.
The domaine's production centers on Syrah, the traditional grape of the Northern Rhône. Jean-Luc produces several Côte-Rôtie cuvées, including his flagship wine simply labeled "Côte-Rôtie" and a lieu-dit bottling from Lancement. His portfolio extends beyond Côte-Rôtie to include IGP Collines Rhodaniennes wines, particularly "Valline," a 100% Syrah from younger vines, and small quantities of Condrieu made from Viognier. Annual production remains limited, with approximately 10,000 bottles produced across all cuvées.
Philosophy & Practice
Jean-Luc Jamet adheres to traditional winemaking methods while incorporating precise modern techniques where beneficial. In the vineyard, he practices sustainable viticulture with minimal intervention, focusing on maintaining low yields to ensure concentration and quality. Harvest is conducted by hand, with careful sorting to select only the healthiest fruit.
In the cellar, Jean-Luc employs partial whole-cluster fermentation, typically incorporating 30-60% stems depending on the vintage and specific parcel. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by aging primarily in used French oak barrels, with only about 15-20% new oak to preserve the wine's terroir expression. His Côte-Rôtie wines age for 18-22 months before bottling without fining and with minimal filtration.
Jean-Luc's winemaking philosophy centers on transparency and precision, allowing each vineyard site to express its distinct character. He aims to produce wines with structure and aging potential while maintaining freshness and aromatic complexity, continuing the traditional approach that has defined Northern Rhône winemaking for generations.