“Saint-Joseph is one of the finest jewels of the Rhône vineyard, a powerful and generous wine that expresses the richness of its terroir with great finesse.” – Robert Parker
The Guigal house is one of the most famous and respected producers in the Rhône Valley, in France. Founded in 1946 by Etienne Guigal, the house is today run by his son, Marcel Guigal, and his grandson, Philippe Guigal.
The Guigal house produces a wide variety of Rhône Valley wines, from whites to reds, taking in rosés. Its vineyards are located in the most prestigious appellations of the Rhône Valley, notably Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Condrieu and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Today I’ve decided to tell you about the Saint-Joseph. But I’ll certainly tell you about many others, because this house is exceptional.
This Guigal is special because it was one of the first “Saint-Josephs” I had the chance to taste. Why is it so special? Certainly because that day I was surrounded by my loved ones around a good table. It took no more than that for it to stay etched in my memory forever.
I often say it to those who join me: “the best of wines is the one I drink with you”!
Off we go to the tasting
It’s produced from Syrah grapes and is characterised by its aromas of red fruit and spice.
Its robe is silky and elegant, with a delicate scent.
On the palate it’s very balanced, with a persistent length, for this 2019 that served as my benchmark. We’re going to let it age a little longer and we’ll see in a few years, but I’m not too worried about the outcome — it will wait for us too.
And for those who’ve read to the end: no, I haven’t made a mistake — I am indeed talking about the Saint-Joseph Rouge, because it also exists in white, made from Marsanne and Roussanne grapes. I hope to taste it soon and tell you about it.
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