Paul Jaboulet Aine
Summary
Paul Jaboulet Aîné, founded in 1834 and now owned by the Frey family, operates 62 hectares across the Northern Rhône's granite slopes, producing Syrah-based reds and Marsanne-Roussanne whites from prime sites in Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage. Under Caroline Frey's direction, the estate combines traditional winemaking methods with modern precision while maintaining biodynamic certification in their Hermitage vineyards since 2016.
Heritage & Leadership
Paul Jaboulet Aine was established in 1834 by Antoine Jaboulet in Tain l'Hermitage, marking the beginning of this Northern Rhône valley producer. The maison remained under family ownership through multiple generations until 2006, when the Frey family, led by Jean-Jacques Frey, acquired the estate. Caroline Frey assumed the role of chief winemaker and technical director upon the acquisition, bringing her expertise from her oenology studies at Bordeaux. Under her leadership, the estate achieved biodynamic certification in 2016 for its Hermitage vineyards.
Vineyards & Wines
The estate's holdings center on 62 hectares in the Northern Rhône, with the iconic Hermitage 'La Chapelle' vineyard as its crown jewel. The vineyards span granite-based soils on the steep slopes of Hermitage, reaching elevations of 130-245 meters. The estate's plantings consist primarily of Syrah in the north, with specific plots dedicated to Marsanne and Roussanne for white wine production. Additional holdings include parcels in Crozes-Hermitage and Saint-Joseph, featuring similar granite-based soils with varying degrees of limestone content.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach combines traditional methods with modern precision. Fermentation occurs in a combination of temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and concrete vats, with specific protocols varying by vineyard plot and grape variety. Red wines undergo careful aging in French oak barrels, with new oak percentages adjusted according to vintage and wine classification. The estate's biodynamic certification encompasses all Hermitage vineyards, with preparations applied according to the lunar calendar. Grape selection involves both manual sorting and optical sorting technology, introduced in 2010.