SAINT-JOSEPH

Vineyard: Spreads over around fifty kilometres on the right bank of the River Rhône; 23 districts in the Ardèche and 3 in the Loire.

Soils: Light schist and gneiss on a granite base. South south-east exposure.

Climate: moderate continental, hot, dry summers, regular rainfall during the other seasons.

History : Delicate and delicious, this wine was already selling in the 16th century. It was appreciated at the table of the kings of France. In the 18th century, the Jesuits from Tournon gave it its current name. Between 1956 and 1969, all the vineyards in this part of the Côtes du Rhône were grouped together under the local AOC Saint-Joseph banner.

Production area (2007 harvest declaration):
- surface area: 1099 hectares
- total production: 40,384 hl, of which 36,828 hl red wine and 3,556 hl of white wine.

Local grape mix: Syrah for the reds (occasionally 10% or Roussanne or Marsanne), Roussanne and Marsanne for the whites. Minimum density for the local grapes: 4500 vines per hectare.

Pruning: Gobelet is used in the main, but also simple and double Guyot.