Domaine Jamet

Domaine Jamet makes intensely aromatic, finely delineated Cote Rotie that is for many emblematic of the appellation.

The domaine made its first domaine-bottled vintage in the 1970s. Jean-Paul Jamet has changed little over the last near half century, aside from giving up half the domaine in 2013 to his brother Jean-Luc (who now operates under a different label). He works the vineyard by hand due to the steep slopes. He retains old vines as much as possible (the oldest are almost 90 years old). He re-plants where necessary using diverse materials, making for striking complexity in the wines.

What makes the wines special at Domaine Jamet is not only the viticulture. It is also what happens – or doesn’t – in the winery. There is very little de-stemming, and very little new oak. Few single vineyard wines are made. Instead, the 17 lieux-dits for the Cote Rotie mature separately in old demi-muids before blending at the end of elevage. The final wine is an intricate blend renowned for its balance and finesse.

The domaine makes a Cotes du Rhone rouge and a Cotes du Rhone blanc alongside the Cote Rotie. A single vineyard Cote Brune is made, and in certain vintages, also a Cote Rotie La Landonne.