Saint-Joseph Wine Offers

Learn about Saint-Joseph Wines

One of the better known wine names from the Northern Rhone Valley is the appellation of St Joseph. It is a large appellation, hugging the west bank of the river for 50 kilometres. Deliciously rich, spicy, perfumed and approachable, these wines are often not considered to have the power of Hermitage, over on the other side of the river, or the complexity of Cote Rotie, but that is largely because the appellation is so large that some inferior vineyards have made the cut. The wines from the steep granite slopes are far higher in quality than those grown on the alluvial soils close to the river. Confidence has however increased in this appellation in recent years, and now there are calls to reduce the appellation and remove vineyards not on hillsides.

About 90% of production here is for red wines from Syrah, where the Rhone white grapes Marsanne and Rousanne can be co-fermented in small quantities, although this is rarely done. The white wines are also made from these grapes.

St Joseph Style & Food Matching

Reds: Made from Syrah. Generally, display classic Northern Rhone black fruits and spicy character, with a rich, soft, mocha edge.

Good with: Steak, roast beef, roast lamb, braised meats and also venison.

Whites: Made from Marsanne and Rousanne, either singly or as a blend. Floral, stone-fruits, full-bodied and often with a nutty note.

Good with: Seafood, white meats, creamy sauces and even cheese.