Châteauneuf-du-Pape Icon: Janasse Chaupin 2021 — Pure Old-Vine Grenache Power

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby-garnet in the glass — this is Grenache turned serious.

On the nose: black cherry, raspberry, dark plum, wild herbs from the Rhône scrub, violet florals, a touch of licorice, graphite and peppery garrigue.

On the palate: full-bodied but graceful — ripe red and dark fruit, mineral saltiness, herbal depth and a seductive smoky-spice streak. Tannins are fine and silky; acidity keeps the texture lively and the finish is long, layered and alive with nuance: spice, herbs, dark fruit, a whisper of earth.

It’s Grenache showing off old-vine pedigree — power, purity, finesse all in one.

Meet the Winemaker

The wine comes from Domaine de la Janasse — the Rhône estate redefining what Grenache can be. For Chaupin they cherry-pick grapes from centenarian vines planted in 1912 in lieux-dits like Chapouin, La Janasse and La Crau, on sandy soils that give freshness and lift.

They vinify with care: partial whole-cluster fermentation on some parcels, then age the wine for ~12 months (70% in large foudres, 30% in 600 L demi-muids, part new oak) to preserve Grenache’s fruit purity while adding texture and depth.

It’s tradition-meets-precision — Rhône soul with modern elegance.

Wine Specs

• Varietal: 100% Grenache (old vines, some from 1912) 

• Vintage: 2021

• Region: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, Southern Rhône, France

• Terroir: Sandy soils from lieux-dits Chaupin, La Janasse, La Crau — mostly sand & sand-clay, vines 50–100+ years old

• Vinification / Aging: Part-destemmed whole-cluster fermentation for some parcels, 21-day maceration, ~12 months aging: 70% foudre + 30% 600 L demi-muid (some new oak) 

• ABV: 15% 

• Bottle Size: 1500 ml

• Serving Temp: 16–18 °C — decant 30–60 min for full expression

Critic & Collector Praise

• 94 pts – Vinous: “Black cherries, melted licorice, peppery garrigue and rose-floral notes… layered, expansive mouthfeel with outstanding length.” 

• 93 pts – Wine Spectator: “Steeped cherry and raspberry paste with graphite ballast… fine-textured tannins build to a graphite/black tea finish.” 

• 92 pts – Wine Advocate: “Bright purity, fresh and pristine from start to finish — charming and fun to drink now, with aging potential.”

Retail tasting notes echo the power-meets-elegance vibe: “blackberry, red cherry, wild herbs, smoky spice, fine tannins and vibrant finish.”

Food Pairings

• Char-grilled lamb chops with rosemary & olive tapenade — earthy Provence vibes meet Rhône soul.

• Duck leg confit with cherry-spice reduction — rich meat + red fruit + herb finesse.

• Aubergine (eggplant) parmigiana with parmesan & basil — vegetarian, bold, elegant.

• Pork shoulder with herb rub & black-olive drizzle — rustic, smoky, satisfying.

• Aged hard cheeses (Comté, Manchego) with fig jam & walnuts — savoury bite meets deep red.

Why This Bottle

Because you’re done with reds that play it safe. This is old-vine Grenache from one of Châteauneuf’s benchmark estates, honest terroir, serious structure, and real finesse. It’s the kind of wine you pull when you want to show up — not just show off.

It has swagger, complexity, and age-worthy power. Drink now or cellar — either way, you win.

Add Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Chaupin 2021 to your cart — InBodega club members grab 10% off +other perks.
Lock in the bottle. Make the night (or the cellar).