Producer: Domaine Boissonnet
Wine: 2015 Saint-Joseph Rouge
Varietal: 100% Syrah
Harvesting: By hand with a partial destemming at 80%
Vinification: Alcohol fermentation in thermo-regulated vats (28-33°). Vatting period of 15 to 21 days with moderate cap-punching and pumping-over. 35 to 40 hl/ha with maturing in barrels for 15 months.
Nose: Fragrant aromas of blackcurrant, raspberry, tea, garrigue, new saddle leather and cured meat
Palate: Medium to full-bodied, supple, polished, dark fruit laced, spice and vibrant minerality
Food: Strong cheeses, roasted pheasant, braised beef
Cellaring: Aged 12-15 months in barrels, this classic, old-school beauty is characteristic of the appellation. Thoroughly enjoyable, it's also relatively approachable now or cellar until 2025.
DOMAINE BOISSONNET
Serrieres, Northern Rhone
The Boissonnet family has been in the town of Serrieres in the district of Ardeche since the 17th century. The family house and the underground cellars date back to the year 1600. The first cellar was restored by André Boissonnet, and the second cellar was found by accident in the 1990's by his son Frederic, who is the current winemaker.
The vineyard estate is located in the center of the village of Serrières in the north of the Rhone Valley. The XVII house hides vaulted cellars, restored with dedication, in which the Saint Joseph and Condrieu are aged. On the steep hillsides that peer down over the Rhone, the domaine manages 30 acres with full respect of the land and the control of yields (leaf thinning, green harvesting), achieving the perfect ripeness for ultimate quality.
Frederic uses both cellars as an ideal place for aging their production of Saint-Joseph and Condrieu. 1990 was an outstanding vintage as well as a turning point in the life of the domaine, which at the time was only comprised of five acres of red Saint Joseph: Frederic vinified his first cuvees as he took over the domaine that year. The domaine grew to 22 acres with Saint Joseph white in 1994 and Condrieu in 1995.
Saint-Joseph appellation is located on the right bank of northern Rhone and is situated on the 45th parallel where the Syrah varietal reigns supreme. The vineyards have been planted on steep hillside terraces for centuries. Saint-Joseph wine was formerly known as Vin de Mauves; its current name was coined by Jesuits in the 17th century. The appellation is known for its red wines, made predominantly from Syrah, which are powerful and elegant, and, on a smaller scale, for whites made from Roussanne and/or Marsanne.
The vineyards of Saint-Joseph were planted by the Greeks and later maintained by the Romans, who already saw potential in the steep slopes on the right bank of the Rhône.
In the 20th century, the winemakers formed a union to protect the Saint-Joseph appellation, and in 15th June 1956, the wine was officially recognized as an AOC. The appellation area runs through 26 communes including over 3,200 acres. The vineyards wind their way through Chavanay to Guilherand, connecting Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie in the north with Saint-Péray and Cornas in the south.
Information by: Vins Rhone
