The Saint-Joseph appellation is certainly one of the most beautiful wine-growing areas of the Rhone Valley and France. S Its vineyard, made up of steep hillsides nestled on the right bank of the majestic Rhone River, has a rich and complex history, marked by centuries of dedication to wine.
This article invites you to explore this wine gem. From its history to his terroirs passing through his grape varieties and its links with the gastronomy , you will know everything about Saint-Joseph and its wines after reading this.
History of the AOC Saint-Joseph
The history of the Saint-Joseph appellation dates back to Antiquity , illustrating the age-old link between man and the vine in this region. The first traces of the vineyard date back to 1st and 2nd century BC . From that time on, the romans recognize the exceptional potential of this terroir with steep slopes, allowing the production of ripe grapes and aromatically rich.
At Middle Ages , a few centuries later, regional wine is then called "Mauve Wine" , named after the commune today located in the south of the appellation. From the 8th century, the region's vintages can be found on several royal tables , from Russia to France Charlemagne .
At 17th century , THE Jesuit monks of Tournon renamed the vineyard Saint-Joseph, a name taken from a plot of a few hectares belonging to them.
At the end of the 19th century , THE phylloxera , parasite affiliated with the aphid, will then decimate the European vineyard. The Rhone Valley will also pay the price and many producers will be forced into bankruptcy.
In 1956 , the name is officially created. This then extends over only 90 hectares and 6 municipalities Today, the vineyard has expanded considerably, covering 1,330 hectares in 26 municipalities and starting with Chavanay in the north and ending with Chateaubourg and Guilherand-Granges further south, near Valence.
Grape varieties and wines of Saint-Joseph
Now that you are more familiar with the history of Saint-Joseph, let's move on to its composition.
Stretching 60 km from north to south, 85% of the appellation's 1,330 hectares are dedicated to the Syrah grape variety , producing delicious red wines The remaining 201 hectares are planted with varieties Marsanne (136 hectares) and Roussanne (65 hectares), allowing the production of white wines very charming.
Syrah is therefore the very incarnation of the vineyard. It allows the production of wines to seductive aromatics mixing notes of red and black fruits (cherry, blackberry) to a floral touch (violet) and to a hint of spice (pepper in particular). Vinification in oak barrels is also recurrent in the region, bringing additional complexity (woodiness, vanilla, sweet spices, etc.).Finally, the tannins Syrah are often present in tastings but always soft and delicate .
Depending on the vintage, Saint-Joseph red wines generally have a storage potential located between 8 and 15 years old .
If you want to know everything about this variety, don't hesitate to read our article dedicated to it entitled The Syrah grape variety guide !
A bunch of Syrah harvested in Saint-Joseph
Although the white wines of the appellation represent a very small part of the production, they are still worth the detour. Marsanne and Roussanne are indeed a brilliant match. by combining their respective qualities and aromatics.
Indeed, the white wines of Saint-Joseph also enchant tasters thanks to their aromas of white and stone fruits (peach, apricot, pear etc.), white flowers (honeysuckle, hawthorn etc.) and almonds . Here too, aging in barrels can bring additional complexity and richness to the wines produced.
Although some high-end vintages can improve for more than one or even two decades, Most white Saint-Josephs are drinkable in their youth (1 to 5 years) .
Climate and terroirs of Saint-Joseph
Touching Roasted Rib to the north and the Cornas appellation to the south, Saint-Joseph is located on the right bank of the Rhône and extends over 60km in length, offering exceptional viewpoints.
The appellation has a climate moderate semi-continental , meaning that she generally knows hot, dry summers as well as rather cool winters. Precipitation is also average, around 870mm per year, with a high concentration during the autumn, from September to November.
Vineyard demanding organized in terraces, Saint-Joseph is made of steep hillsides rising up to 350m altitude . The plots benefiting from more southerly exposures are today considered to be the highest quality because they allow grapes to be harvested at better maturity.
However, the warming climate is reshuffling the cards. In search of freshness in their wines and in order to contain the alcohol content, winegrowers are now betting on terroirs exposed further north experiencing less heat. In any case, all these differences contribute to the great diversity of wines here products!
Finally, the name evolves essentially on granite soils , sometimes mixing with clay-limestone enclaves. Formed of quartz, micas or even of feldspars, granite allows ideal heat regulation , keeping it during the day, but cooling it quickly at night. This produces wines with a nice acidity while being warm.
That eat with a Saint-Joseph ?
With a red Saint-Joseph, and depending on the strength of the chosen wine, white meats and red meats will be great pairings. Lamb chops, beef entrecôte, but also roast chicken and pork ribs are all examples of successful pairings. Finally, ducks, pigeons or partridges can also be very interesting to combine.
Conclusion
You will have understood it through this reading, The Saint-Joseph appellation is a true jewel of the Rhône Valley with an exceptional terroir and passionate winegrowers.
The wines produced here are indeed among the best in France and can suit many palates. From a powerful, long-keeping red to a delicate Syrah offering a beautiful aromatic complexity, all tastes are at Saint-Joseph! Without forgetting of course the delicious whites made from Marsanne and Roussanne.
All you have to do now is set off to discover this wonderful vineyard by opening a bottle (always in moderation)😉 ). And if you need any advice, The Illuminated Cellar remains at your entire disposal!
