# Le Grand Pompée

- **Producer:** Paul Jaboulet Aîné
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** 100% Syrah
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €24
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black fruit, licorice, pepper, red fruit, raspberry, red currant, mineral

## About this wine

Le Grand Pompée is a Syrah from the Saint-Joseph AOC in France's Northern Rhône Valley, produced by the historic Maison Paul Jaboulet Aîné. The wine's name is a tribute to Victor Hugo's 'Légende des siècles,' referencing a historical figure known for his appreciation of Rhône wines. The grapes are cultivated on steep, terraced hillsides with soils rich in schist, gneiss, and granite, which contribute to the wine's structure and texture. Paul Jaboulet Aîné, established in 1834, is a renowned producer in the region, now under the stewardship of the Frey family and winemaker Caroline Frey.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Le Grand Pompée' is a direct literary reference to Victor Hugo's 'Légende des siècles'.
- The wine's name evokes a 9th-century figure who loved wines from the right bank of the Rhône.
- The vineyard soils are a mix of schist and gneiss on a granite base, contributing to the wine's texture.
- The 2022 vintage received 91 points from JamesSuckling.com.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium body and refined tannins are well-suited to complement the richness of proteins like duck, lamb, and beef. Its spicy and peppery notes harmonize with grilled meats and earthy mushrooms, while the fruit character can stand up to berry-based sauces.

## Wine making process

Le Grand Pompée is crafted using traditional Northern Rhône winemaking techniques. The Syrah grapes are hand-harvested and sorted before undergoing a three-week maceration with daily pump-overs to extract flavor and structure. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 12 months in French oak tronconic vats, a method chosen to preserve fruit aromas and promote reductive aging. This process aims to create a well-structured wine that reflects its unique terroir.