Saint-Joseph

The vineyard of Saint Joseph extends from Chavanay in the north to Guilherand in the south. It covers, over a distance of about 50 kilometers along the right bank of the Rhône, 23 municipalities in the Ardèche and 3 municipalities in the Loire department. The soils here are light, composed of schist and gneiss on a granite bedrock, and are primarily south/southeast-facing. Saint-Joseph has a moderate continental climate, with hot, dry summers and steady rainfall during the other seasons. Delicate and flavorful, wines from the Saint-Joseph region were already being sold in the 16th century. They were enjoyed at the tables of the kings of France. In the 18th century, the Jesuits of Tournon gave the Saint-Joseph appellation its current name. Between 1956 and 1969, all the vineyards in this part of the Côtes du Rhône were consolidated and designated as a local AOC. Saint Joseph.

The vineyard area is approximately 1,000 hectares, with annual production of around 35,000 hectoliters. The grape variety used for the red Saint-Joseph wines is almost exclusively Syrah, with possibly 10% Roussanne or Marsanne. In fact, it is these last two grape varieties that are used to make the Saint-Joseph white wines. Red wines are traditionally vinified with long vatting periods, followed by aging for 10 months to 2 years in chestnut or oak barrels. For white wines, vatting in open tanks lasts 15 days, followed by aging for a few months. This truly beautiful Saint-Joseph appellation shines thanks to wineries such as the Mr. Chapoutier, the Delas Frères House, E. Guigal or the Domaine Jean-Louis Chave, the Ferraton Père et Fils Winery.

Saint Joseph Wine: An AOC with Two Varieties

Saint Joseph, red wine

Syrah was the only grape variety used for Saint Joseph red wine. However, a relaxation of the AOC requirements now allows for the addition of 10% Marsanne or Roussanne to soften the intensity of this wine. The Syrah provides power to the Saint Joseph wine, with a dark color; as well as spicy and peppery aromas, sometimes accented by a subtle hint of violet. When tasted young, it offers aromas of blackcurrant and even raspberry. A red Saint Joseph is typically aged for 10 months to 2 years.

Saint Joseph White Wine

Saint Joseph white wine accounts for only 10% of the appellation. The Marsanne and Roussanne grape varieties give this wine different characteristics. Marsanne enhances Saint Joseph white wine with a golden color, and as it ages, it develops aromas of hazelnuts. This hardy grape variety produces powerful wines with moderate acidity. Roussanne produces a Saint Joseph white wine with a straw-yellow color. In terms of aromas, it offers notes of summer fruits (apricot, yellow peach) and, more subtly, notes of hawthorn, honeysuckle, as well as discreet hints of narcissus.

Tasting a Saint Joseph Wine

A Saint Joseph red wine

It is best enjoyed at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. It pairs wonderfully with grilled red meats or game. It also goes very well with aged cheeses.

A Saint Joseph white wine

The optimal temperature for enjoying a Saint Joseph white wine is between 12 and 14°C. As for food pairings, it is recommended to choose white meats or fish such as pike and turbot. It pairs wonderfully with spicy dishes like curry and with strong-flavored cheeses such as Bleu d’Auvergne and Fourme d’Ambert.