Crozes-Hermitage
This appellation from the Rhône Valley offers delicate white wines crafted from Marsanne and Roussanne grape varieties. The vines thrive on granitic slopes, which give the wines their distinctive minerality. Saint-Joseph white wines are known for their roundness, fruity aromas, and floral notes.
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The Grape Varieties of the AOC Saint-Joseph
Saint-Joseph white wines are made from Marsanne and Roussanne grapes. White varieties cover around 10% of the total vineyard surface of the Saint-Joseph appellation.
Marsanne brings power and signature floral aromas to the wines, while Roussanne adds honeyed notes and white fruit characteristics.
A Unique Terroir on Granitic Hillsides
The Saint-Joseph vineyard stretches majestically along the right bank of the Rhône, where vines grow on steep terraces. These granitic hills benefit from a climate that blends continental and Mediterranean influences, providing the white wines with their signature minerality and fresh aromas.
The granitic soils force the roots to grow deep into the ground to find nutrients. This natural struggle results in grapes with remarkable concentration, producing round wines with delicate floral and honeyed notes.
On these steep slopes of the Rhône Valley, winemakers work demanding yet generous land that reveals the full nobility of the white grape varieties used in the Saint-Joseph appellation.
Character of Saint-Joseph White Wines
The golden robe, with reflections ranging from gold to green depending on the bottle, immediately reveals the personality of these white wines.
The nose opens with delicate white flower aromas, followed by subtle notes of fruits such as apricot or peach depending on the vintage and the estate.
On the palate, the wine delights with its remarkable balance between roundness and tension, highlighted by refreshing acidity. The granitic terroir expresses itself through a silky texture and elegant structure, while aging brings out hints of hazelnut, almond, and honey.
These wines develop beautiful aromatic complexity, which blossoms particularly well between 3 and 5 years of aging.
Food and Wine Pairings
Saint-Joseph white wines pair especially well with delicate seafood dishes. A platter of shellfish or seared scallops reveals their fine minerality.
When it comes to meat, they go perfectly with poultry in creamy sauces.
Cheese lovers will enjoy the subtle pairing with goat cheese. You can also serve it with Bleu d'Auvergne, which complements the wine's floral notes beautifully.
For a more original experience, try pairing it with refined vegetarian dishes like asparagus risotto or a delicate mushroom tart. The wine's freshness gently balances the flavors of these dishes.
Storage and Ideal Serving Temperature
These wines reach their aromatic complexity best between 3 and 5 years of aging, but certain vintages can age up to 10 years.
To fully reveal the aromas of your Saint-Joseph blanc, serve it between 12°C and 14°C. This temperature highlights the signature minerality of the granitic terroir while preserving the floral freshness.
Proper storage is essential. You can keep it in a cellar with a constant temperature between 12°C and 14°C. Alternatively, store it in the fridge and take it out about 30 minutes before serving, to bring it to the ideal temperature. This step helps the wine develop its subtle aromas.