Wines Saint-Joseph Paul Jaboulet Aîné - Le Grand Pompée - 2021

Viniou Reviews

Paul Jaboulet Aîné's "Le Grand Pompée" 2021 from the Saint-Joseph AOC is a classic representation of northern Rhône Syrah. This cuvée is crafted primarily from Syrah grapes, grown on the steep, granitic slopes typical of Saint-Joseph, which brings finesse and minerality to the wine. The 2021 vintage, marked by a cooler growing season, yields a wine of great freshness, vibrant acidity, and focused fruit, with notes of blackcurrant, blueberry, black pepper, and subtle floral undertones. Vinification is traditional, with careful management of extraction to preserve fruit purity and ensure elegant tannins, resulting in a ruby-red wine with a supple texture and lingering spice on the finish.

The Saint-Joseph appellation is part of the northern Rhône, a region renowned for its temperate continental climate with significant diurnal temperature variation, contributing to the balance and aromatic complexity of its Syrah-based wines. The area’s granitic soils are ideal for cultivating Syrah, providing excellent drainage and imparting a distinctive minerality to the wines. The region has a long history of viticulture, dating back to Roman times, and is celebrated for producing structured yet accessible reds that age gracefully.

For food pairings, this style of Syrah shines alongside roasted or grilled red meats such as lamb or beef, where the wine’s peppery spice and dark fruit complement savoury dishes. Regional Rhône recipes like daube de boeuf (beef stew) or duck breast with a berry sauce are especially harmonious. It also pairs well with hard cheeses like Comté or Cantal, and can elevate vegetarian dishes featuring roasted aubergine, mushrooms, or lentils.

To fully appreciate "Le Grand Pompée" 2021, serve at 16-18°C. Decanting an hour before tasting will help reveal its aromatic complexity and soften the youthful tannins, making for a more expressive and enjoyable experience.