Terroir

4 ha - Communes : Chavanay, Malleval (42), Limony (07) – Grape variety : 100% Syrah

These hillsides face south and east, and cover about 10 km along the Rhône valley.  The light soils are mostly granite, which produces fine, elegant and well-structured wines.

Vinification

harvest, sorted by vine, partially de-stemmed, crushed

 Cold maceration : 4 to 5 days at 5-9°C

Alcoholic fermentation : 4 to 5 days at 18-20°C at the start of fermentation, 34°C at the end

Hot maceration : 2 to 3 weeks at 30°C, stopped when green and rustic tannins appear

Malolactic fermentation in barrels

During the harvest, each kind of soil is vinified separately to bring out its own individuality.  This means that we have a vast choice available when it comes to making up the St. Joseph cuvee.

Maturing

to 20 months, 20% new wood, finely grained oak from Allier and Nevers, smoothly sanded barrels

The barrels are renewed every 5 years

Racking: every 3 months

The wines are matured in oak casks for from 18 to 20 months.  Regular racking brings out the full aromas.