Saint-Joseph

The vineyards of Saint-Joseph stretches from Chavanay in the north to Guilherand in the south. It covers some 50 kilometers along the right bank of the Rhône, including 23 communes in the Ardèche department and 3 communes in the Loire department. The soils are light schist and gneiss on a granitic bedrock, mainly facing south/southeast. Saint-Joseph's climate is moderate continental, with hot, dry summers and regular rainfall in other seasons. Delicate and delicious, Saint-Joseph wines were already being sold in the 16th century. They were appreciated at the tables of the kings of France. In the 18th century, the Jesuits of Tournon gave the Saint-Joseph cru its present name. Between 1956 and 1969, all the vineyards in this part of the Côtes du Rhône were grouped together and given the status of local AOC. Saint-Joseph.

The area under production is around 1,000 hectares, with annual annual production of around 35,000 hectolitres. The grape variety used for Saint-Joseph red wines is almost exclusively Syrah, with a possible 10% Roussanne or Marsanne. The latter two grape varieties are used to make our wines. Saint-Joseph white wines. Red wines are traditionally vinified with long vatting periods, and aged for 10 months to 2 years in chestnut or oak barrels. For white wines, cuvaison in open vats lasts 15 days and ageing lasts a few months. This very beautiful Saint-Joseph appellation shines thanks to houses such as M. Chapoutierthe Maison Delas Frères, E. Guigal or Domaine Jean-Louis Chave, visit Domaine Ferraton Père et Fils.

Saint Joseph wine, a two-color AOC

Saint Joseph, red wine

Syrah was the only grape variety used for Saint Joseph red wine. However, a relaxation of the AOC requirements allows the addition of 10% marsanne or roussanne to refine the wine's strength. The syrah gives power to Saint Joseph winewith a dark color and spicy, peppery aromas, sometimes with a hint of violet. violet. If drunk young, it will offer aromas of blackcurrant or even raspberry. raspberry. Saint Joseph red wines typically age between 10 months to 2 years.

Saint Joseph white wine

Saint Joseph white wine represents only 10% of the the appellation. The marsanne and roussanne grapes give this wine different different characteristics. Marsanne enhances Saint Joseph white wine with its golden colour golden color and, with age, develops nutty aromas. This rustic variety produces powerful wines with medium acidity. Roussanne produces a straw-yellow Saint Joseph white wine. straw yellow. In terms of aroma, it offers notes of summer fruits (apricot, peach) and more subtle notes of hawthorn, honeysuckle and discreet and discreet hints of narcissus.

Tasting Saint Joseph wines

A Saint Joseph red wine

Best enjoyed at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. It goes formidably well with grilled red meats or game. game meats. It also goes very well with mature cheeses.

A Saint Joseph white wine

The optimum temperature for enjoying a Saint Joseph white wine is between 12 and 14°C. As an accompaniment, we recommend white meats or fish such as pike and turbot. turbot. It goes wonderfully well with spicy dishes such as curry and strong strong cheeses such as bleu d'Auvergne and fourme d'Ambert.