2019 Saint Joseph ‘Les Granilites’
Granite terrain created by the wind and geological alteration resulting in restrictive soils with good drainage. Here we find the principal soil and climatic elements of great Saint-Joseph wines. These slow kinetics of maturation give the “Granilites” wine great freshness, minerality, and acidity potential. The parcels of vines are located in the communes of Charnas, Tournon and Mauves, the birthplace of the appellation. The altitude and exposure to wind (including the Mistral) ensure that th...Read More...
Granite terrain created by the wind and geological alteration resulting in restrictive soils with good drainage. Here we find the principal soil and climatic elements of great Saint-Joseph wines. These slow kinetics of maturation give the “Granilites” wine great freshness, minerality, and acidity potential. The parcels of vines are located in the communes of Charnas, Tournon and Mauves, the birthplace of the appellation. The altitude and exposure to wind (including the Mistral) ensure that there is a natural self-regulation of pests, while providing cool air throughout the summer. The parcels are primarily southeast facing.
By hand in dry, sunny weather. Fermentation is brought on by indigenous yeasts and takes place in temperaturecontrolled concrete tanks. A maceration lasting 4 weeks is carried out, followed by malo-lactic fermentation in barrels. 25% of the wine is aged in oak barrels (100% French), which gives the wine consistency and power, along with aromatic complexity. The remaining 75% is aged in concrete tanks, which preserves the freshness and minerality of the Syrah. Tasting “Les Granilites” is a mineral wine. Its terroir
provides it with lovely taunt acidity and a well soft and well-balanced on entry. Fine, tight tannins, beautiful mineral tautness derived from the granite. - M. Chapoutier.