Today, Paul Jaboulet Aîné farms approximately 125 hectares of vineyards across the most prestigious appellations of the Northern Rhône, including Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, Cornas, Saint-Joseph, Condrieu and others.
Maison Paul Jaboulet Aîné was founded in 1834 by Antoine Jaboulet in Tain-l’Hermitage, at the foot of the renowned Hermitage hill, one of the most prestigious vineyard sites in the Northern Rhône Valley. Early on, the family acquired additional parcels in the surrounding area, thereby establishing a lasting foundation for the production of wines of exceptional quality. The name “Aîné” (the elder) refers to Paul Jaboulet, Antoine’s eldest son, under whose leadership the estate continued to expand and gain international recognition.
In 1919, the family acquired the historic Chapelle Saint-Christophe on the Hermitage hill, a landmark that would later become inseparably linked to the legendary wine “Hermitage La Chapelle.” By the mid-20th century, the estate had established itself as a benchmark for great Rhône wines, including iconic labels such as Parallèle 45, one of the oldest Côtes-du-Rhône wines, produced continuously since 1950.
Over several generations, the Jaboulet family successfully managed the estate; however, the final decades of the 20th century were marked by personal tragedies and fluctuating quality. Following the death of Gérard Jaboulet in 1997, continuity in leadership declined, and the estate entered a period of inconsistency.
A decisive turning point came in 2006, when the property was acquired by the Frey family, who already had wine interests in Bordeaux and Champagne. Under the leadership of Caroline Frey, an experienced oenologist, significant quality-driven measures were implemented and the estate underwent a thorough modernization.
Today, Paul Jaboulet Aîné farms approximately 125 hectares of vineyards across the most prestigious appellations of the Northern Rhône, including Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, Cornas, Saint-Joseph, Condrieu and others. The vineyards are located on prime sites with distinctive soils and optimal southern exposure, providing ideal conditions for grape ripening.
A key focus of the current strategy is the transition to sustainable agriculture: since 2016, the vineyards have been certified organic, and biodynamic practices have also been introduced to promote long-term soil health and vine vitality.
Under Caroline Frey’s direction, the estate has invested in state-of-the-art cellar technology while preserving traditional expertise – an approach that sustainably enhances wine quality. At the same time, the house enjoys worldwide acclaim for its top-cru cuvées, foremost among them Hermitage La Chapelle, whose legendary vintages rank among the most sought-after French wines.
