Joli Vin imports

Saint Joseph, Rouge

Taken from parcels surrounding the original Saint Joseph villages of Mauves, Tournon and St. Jean de Muzols. Such a representative blend from these historic vineyards is a rarity in a single cuvée for Saint Joseph. The individual parcels, Les Oliviers, Aubert, Montagnon, Martinot, Côtes des Rivoires and Croix de Peygros, range in altitude, the highest at 308 metres, and soil composition, all with varying measures of a sandy granitic base.

Vinified in open top vats using partially de-stemmed grapes. In its early stages of fermentation regular attention is given to the rémontages and foot pressings, which are repeated twice a day for two to three weeks. The wine is then transferred to large casks and barrels, where it stays for 14-16 months. During this time it is decanted three times, fined using egg whites before being bottled without filtration.

The Saint Joseph rouge is sometimes approachable in its youth, sometimes less so, depending on the vintage, but in general as a result of its granitic origins, this is a wine that will benefit and pay dividends with long term ageing. Red to black fruits, plums and violet flavors intermingle with a wild, gamey and savory bouquet with a note of iron minerality which runs down its spine. Wonderful concentration of fruits, structure and finely integrated tannins.

Domaine Pierre Gonon fact sheet (PDF)