Paul Jaboulet-Aîné : Les Cassines 2018

The freshness and intensity of a Condrieu white wine

The estate

Paul Jaboulet-Aîné, the infamous reference among Northern Rhône Valley wines, was founded in 1834 in Tain L'Hermitage. The renowned oenologist and winemaker, Caroline Frey, has been running this illustrious house, owned by the Frey family, since 2006. Maison Paul Jaboulet Aîné watches over 125 hectares of vines that spread over exceptional appellations such as Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage, Cornas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu and Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise.

The vineyard

Paul Jaboulet-Aîné's 2018 Les Cassines is a Condrieu wine, an appellation located in the northern part of the Rhône Valley. This white wine is made from 20 to 30-year-old vines planted on steep slopes with granitic soils.

The wine

The name of this wine refers to the fishermen's houses on the banks of the Rhône.

The vintage

A particularly dry autumn in 2017 preceded a cool winter, with average rainfall that did not make up for the lack of water. These conditions led to a late budburst. The alternation between hot and humid conditions during the spring favoured the rapid development of the vines, but also strong mildew pressure. While July was a scorcher, August was punctuated by rainy spells that unblocked ripening. As the harvest approached, the health of the vineyard was excellent.

Vinification and ageing

The hand-picked grapes are pressed in whole bunches. Fermentation is carried out at low temperature in barrels, stainless steel vats and cement eggs, as well as maturing on the lees for 8 months.

The blend

Viognier (100%).

Paul Jaboulet-Aîné's Cassines 2018: Characteristics and tasting tips

Food and wine pairing

Ideal as an aperitif, this white wine from the Rhône Valley complements pan-fried foie gras with mangoes or a scampi salad with Granny apples.

Service

For an optimal tasting, serve between 12 and 15°C.