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4.75/5

Saint-Joseph Wines : Key Points

Formerly known as "Vin de Mauves", the wines of Saint-Joseph boast very ancient origins. Monks cultivating the vineyard gave it the name Saint-Joseph in the 17th century.

The Saint-Joseph vineyard covers 1,200 hectares, making this fine reference an emblematic appellation of the northern part of the Rhône Valley. Spread over 26 communes, the Saint-Joseph appellation runs along the banks of the Rhône for almost 60 kilometres, including the departments of Ardèche (23 communes) and Loire (3 communes).

Like an architectural masterpiece with an utterly exceptional panorama of the Alps, the Saint-Joseph vineyards stretch over narrow granite terraces. The steep vineyards are located on very steep slopes and enjoy a southern and south-eastern exposure.

The wines of Saint-Joseph stem from a real tapestry of soils, even if the AOC Saint-Joseph is essentially rooted in granite soils. The northern part of the appellation rests on soft gneiss and granite soils, while the southern part comprises complex, poor, acidic granite soils.

Producing predominantly red wines, the Saint-Joseph appellation is also the source of great white wines. Three grape varieties are mainly grown: Syrah is used in the production of red Saint-Joseph wines, while Marsanne and Roussanne are used for white Saint-Joseph wines. A small proportion of white grape varieties can also be used in the blending of red Saint-Joseph wines.

As for the red wines, Saint-Joseph wines stand out due to their aromatic complexity. With peppery and spicy notes, red Saint-Joseph wines often exude floral notes reminiscent of violets and are tinged with a beautiful minerality. Boasting a perfect harmony between power and finesse, the red wines of Saint-Joseph showcase a fine elegance.

Regarding white wines, Saint-Joseph white wines stand out due to their floral notes with scents of hawthorn and acacia as well as by their delicious honey and apricot notes mixed with beautiful spicy notes. On the palate, Saint-Joseph white wines offer a beautiful and full concentration and a smooth feel while preserving an unmatched freshness and acidity.

Pleasant to drink in their youth, Saint-Joseph wines can be kept for 3 to 10 years depending on the terroir and the vintage.