In the glass
What it pairs with
-
Lamb shoulder with romesco sauce
The wine's concentration and pepper spice mirror the complexity of romesco with lamb. -
Mushroom risotto with truffle
The wine's mineral and spice notes bridge to earthy mushroom and truffle. -
Duck confit with cherry relish
Rich duck confit is elevated by the wine's dark fruit and mineral character.
How to serve Saint-Joseph Le Grand Pompee
Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Lamb shoulder with romesco sauce, Mushroom risotto with truffle, Duck confit with cherry relish. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Le Grand Pompee is Villard's prestige Saint-Joseph rouge, from old Syrah vines in the granitic heart of the appellation. The name references the grand Pompee Roman amphitheater imagery of the Rhone Valley.
- 1995 — First vintage of Le Grand Pompee as Villard's flagship Saint-Joseph rouge
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Francois Villard
- Grapes
- Syrah (100%)
- Classification
- Saint-Joseph AOC
- Oak
- 14 months in new and used French oak barriques
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- EUR 25-45 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-15 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1995
- Organic
- ECOCERT
Frequently asked about Saint-Joseph Le Grand Pompee
What does Saint-Joseph Le Grand Pompee taste like?
Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long, spiced and mineral finish.
When should I drink Saint-Joseph Le Grand Pompee?
Drink 5-15 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Saint-Joseph Le Grand Pompee?
Lamb shoulder with romesco sauce is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Mushroom risotto with truffle and Duck confit with cherry relish. The wine's concentration and pepper spice mirror the complexity of romesco with lamb.
What grapes are in Saint-Joseph Le Grand Pompee?
The blend is Syrah (100%). The wine is classified as Saint-Joseph AOC.